She runs her hands through my messy hair, rubbing my cheek. “Of course I do. You’re the only person who has never made me feel less than because of my past. I feel my most authentic and beautiful with you, Bode, and I never want to lose this feeling.”
“I love you, Stevie. Even if you think you’re really good at board games, when it’s just luck.”
“Hey.” She smacks my chest. “I am good.”
I nod, smirking at her as I push her back into the soft pillows of the bed. “Okay, babe.”
“See if I play any more games with you.”
I laugh, easing the tension that’s gathered in my shoulders.
“This is why I love you.”
“Because I beat you at board games?”
I kiss her, soft and sweet. Maybe the best kiss of my life. “Among other things.”
Stevie sighs, pulling me in close. “So, what do we do?”
We.
I’m not alone in this. It’s the two of us.
“I’ll work with the PR team to get ahead of it, but it might get worse before it gets better.”
“Then it’s a good thing we’ll have each other to weather the storm together.”
“God, I love you.”
Now that I’ve said it, I can’t hold it back. I want to shower Stevie in all the love I never got. To let her feel it every single day.
Whatever happens, come what may.
We’ll handle it together.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
STEVIE
If there’s one thing I love about my job, it’s working in one of the most calming places.
The zen-like music is always playing in the halls to better the experience for our guests. Lavender and bergamot perfumes the air. Bamboo lights hang from the ceiling, casting long shadows through the halls.
Heading to the front desk, I smile at the receptionist. “Hey, Becky. Do you have my list of appointments for the day?”
“Umm, no.”
“What? I’m booked solid all day.”
Tuesdays are my day off, but I checked my schedule on Monday before leaving. Back-to-back bookings all day.
She gives me a saccharine smile. “Sorry. You had a lot of cancellations. Not just today.”
“Are you serious? Did they say why?”
“Something about your personal life and getting in the way of doing your job.”
“My—”
