She spins and launches herself into my arms. Shocked, I wrap them loosely around her while she hangs on to me for dear life.
Suddenly, all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Whipping my head to the side, my body goes cold as I meet a pair of incredulous brown eyes.
Brooklyn is standing there, holding Kibbles’ leash.
Brooklyn
Chapter 17
Iwoke up this morning with a sense of lightness that I haven’t felt in forever. I know sex is good for the body and mind, but having intense, emotionally connected sex with someone you have deep feelings for is indescribable. Like its own kind of therapy session.
It was amazing to wake up in Luka’s arms. I spent some time just looking at his profile while he slept, admiring his physical perfection and replaying the events of the night before. This must be what true love is like. On the one hand your own vulnerability is terrifying, but on the other it’s something you’re willing to risk. And you want to make your partner’s life better, help them work through their trials and their pain, and fill them with joy every chance you get.
We were up so late together last night that Luka was just starting to sit up in bed when I finally got up to get ready for my cycling class with Mateo. I planted a quick kiss on him and then hurriedly brushed my teeth and pulled on my Lululemons before running out the door.
I wish we’d had more time to talk this morning, but at the same time I’m glad he’s getting a little space today. By the time I get home from my workout, he’ll probably be out at the business lunch he mentioned or else on a series of conference calls—though I’ve noticed that his working weekends have gotten a lot shorter lately. It hasn’t escaped my notice that how busy he is during his free time seems to directly correlate with how things are going in our relationship.
Still, a little time apart will be beneficial; give both of us a chance to recharge. I’m sure he’s on emotional overload after the stress of yesterday’s interview and then the intimacy we shared. I feel drained, too, but in a good way. It’s as if all the bad vibes between us are finally gone, leaving room for the good to flood back in.
I just hope my husband feels the same way.
As I sweat through my ninety-minute class, all I can think about is how Luka touched me so carefully, his hands worshiping me as if he were learning my body all over again…it was almost as if it was our first time together. As much as I keep telling myself that Luka and I should enjoy our independence, I still wish we could have spent the whole day with each other. Then again, I understand that even though I’m completely into him, he still needs time to process things and figure out where I stand in his eyes. Hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later.
Mateo notices I’m off the beat in my cycling and snaps his little towel at me with a grin when we go for our high-resistance sprints. Then he teases me during the weight-lifting section.
“Iknowthat look,” he hisses in the dimly lit room. “You and Luka finally made up?”
Shrugging, I admit, “You could call it that.”
He lifts his brows suggestively, and I know I’m blushing. Thank God it’s dark in here.
Maybe Luka’s lunch will go so well today that he’ll come home early so we can get some more alone time this evening. I can’t be the only one looking forward to round two.
I ran out of the house without a change of clothes this morning, so my post-class shower will have to wait until I get home. Popping open my locker, I grab my purse and keys, but I have to apologetically beg off when Mateo invites me to go shopping with him this afternoon.
“But I’ve got a long-term gig in LA coming up soon,” he whines. “You’re gonna wish you’d spent more time with me here in Chicago when you had the chance.”
“You just want help picking out cute shoes!” I tease. “Besides, we’ll see each other again soon. I don’t think I could get away from you if I tried.”
He presses a hand to his chest in mock offense. “Ugh, fine. But if I don’t get laid tonight, I’m blaming my date night outfit failure entirely on you, Brookie.”
As I climb into my car, I shout over my shoulder, “Text me pics so I can approve!” and then speed off.
I make a pit stop at the grocery store to grab a few ingredients for a gourmet dinner tonight, then swing by my favorite boutique to pick out some skimpy lingerie that I know Luka wouldn’t mind seeing me in. Nothing wrong with a little enticement, I always say.
But he’s still not home by the time I get there. Disappointed, but not exactly surprised, I put away my things and turn my attention to Mr. Kibbles. The poor thing has been inside his kennel all morning, and it’s time to let him out to play.
“How’s my sweet boy?” I say, and he wags his tail, doing a frantic puppy potty dance. Uh-oh. “Does Mr. Kibbles need to go for a walk?”
He yaps excitedly, and I get him harnessed and leashed so we can go. I’m still dying for a shower, but the dog takes priority.
The weather is beautiful, almost as good as LA, which after a few years totally spoiled me for any other climate. Not too windy, the sun warm and bright, the scent of flowers in the air. A perfect afternoon to go for a long stroll with my dog. I feel like I’m walking on a cloud.
I’m in love with my husband, and I’m almost certain he loves me back. Even if he doesn’t realize it yet.
Mr. Kibbles is a ball of energy, happily spinning and bouncing as I lead him to the dog park a few blocks away. He does his business and then eagerly scrambles off to play with some of the other pups in the fenced-in area for small size dogs. I throw the ball for him after that, but all he wants to do is climb into my lap and pant his puppy breath in my face.
“Are you all tuckered out, Kibby?” I say, stroking his soft ears. “Let’s head home.”
