“I know you’re up, sweetheart. Roll over,” I whisper against her ear, silently thinking I need to buy Wills a thank-you gift for forcing us to stay in the same room this week.
She rolls over and yawns, her hair wild like Medusa and her face scrunched in fury. “I wasn’t awake until you crawled on the bed,” she rasps, then cuddles into my chest.
I wrap my arms around her toned stomach, resting my chin atop her head.
“B?” I whisper.
“Mmm?”
“Will you go on a date with me tonight? I’d like to take you out to dinner and then for some live music.”
“Oh—” She hesitates.
Hearing her question my proposition instantly annoys me, considering she’s on one every other night with strangers.
She tries to get out of bed. However, I’m not letting her leave my sight until I have the answer I want.
“Jack!” she squeals. “I need to use the loo.” I ignore her and crawl on top of her, trapping her in with my arms so she can’t go anywhere.
“Will you please go on a date with me, sweetheart?” I lean down and kiss her lips softly. “I’m not asking for anything more. Just some time with my best girl. Give us a chance, Belle.”
She gulps down her unease, her eyes flickering to my lips every few seconds.
She leans up, and just as her lips brush against mine, the little minx tickles my side, using the opportunity to slip under me.
“Annabelle!”
She pauses at the bathroom door and winks, adding a small smile of defiance. “Of course I’ll go out with you, Jack. I only wanted you to work for it a little.”
* * *
The night has been nothing short of incredible.
After the rain stopped, we strolled hand in hand down the Seine, then through the small streets of Saint Germain toward the restaurant.
At first, I was surprised at Belle suggesting the walk, considering she’s wearing heels tall enough to bring her up to my height.
Though that didn’t stop my fierce queen B, strutted down those Parisian cobblestone streets like she owned them.
She insisted we see the city like this—right after it rains when the water glistens from the city lights.
We laughed, we talked, we kissed.
So carefree and easy, though it’s not a surprise. It’s always been like that with Belle.
It still amazes me that it took us as long as it did to get our heads out of our asses and put our insecurities aside to make this work.
Over the last few days, I’ve had more time to think about a future with Belle and why I’m so adamant now.
For one, I don’t see a reason to wait. Ever since it clicked with me, it’s all I can see.
We’re older and know everything about each other—the good and the bad. The foundation is there.
Not to mention, this last year has had my head spinning like crazy since we got “married,” and although I’m well aware it was a drunken accident, the idea of Belle as my wife has always felt right.
I wasn’t lying when I told her I felt like something was missing when we came home from Vegas, and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it to her.
My phone vibrates inside my suit pocket, snapping me back to the present.
