Page 65 of Worth Loving You

There had been no more talk of marriage after that one night. No ring had been purchased. Since telling him I loved him, however, Milo had been even more insatiable. He could hardly keep his hands to himself. Sometimes, he would call just to ask me to tell him I loved him. I would, he would thank me, and hang up.

I was living in a dream, and I never wanted to wake. I loved being in love. I loved being pampered. I loved Milo Pampinella.

Forcing a smile to the deliveryman, I took the package wrapped in brown paper. This one a little heavier than they others, I tucked it to my side and asked, “I don’t sign for it?”

He shook his head, a palm held out. “No, ma’am. It’s good.”

Though I thought it strange the man never asked me to sign a receipt and he never wore a uniform for his company, I simply thanked him and shut the door. Gazing at the box, I shook it, but didn’t hear anything jostling about. I took it straight to the hallway closet and put it on the shelf, like always. Milo would take care of it when he got home, as usual.

Curious as to its contents, I knew better than to ever ask again. The last time had caused a huge fight where we had screamed at one another most of the night.

Of course, in the morning, I woke to hundreds of roses scattered about the apartment and a ruby and diamond tennis bracelet, but it wasn’t worth the strife of the argument. It was best if I just minded my business and not ask again.

Going to the kitchen and opening the refrigerator, I bent over to look at the back of the middle shelf, searching for my cheese strings. They were never where I put them, and I suspected Wyatt was to blame, for I never had a problem finding them before he moved in.

I pushed a few items to the side, finding them behind a jar of sliced pickles. “Asshole,” I grumbled, tearing off a pack and standing upright. Closing the door, I turned around, saw him hovering by the bar, and choked on a yelp, throwing myself against the fridge.

“Jesus, why do you keep doing that to me?”

He blinked, tucking his chin to his shoulder. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You’re always scaring me.”

“I’ve been told I’m a scary guy.”

Scoffing, my eyes rolled, and my stance straightened. I peeled the package open and took a bite.

“That shit is gross.”

“No one asked you to eat it,” I grumbled between chewing. Sticking it in my mouth, I closed my lips around the cheese to hold it in place while I poured myself a glass of red wine.

“Classy.”

Yanking the stick out with a pop, my brows lifted while taking a sip. “What can I say? I’m a classy gal.”

He snickered, drumming his knuckles on the counter. “Boss called. He said he’ll be in either tonight or first thing in the morning.”

I grinned, excitement twirling about inside. “Coming home early again, huh?”

His lips pursed, his head bobbing. “Yup. The man can’t seem to stay away from you.”

I strutted past him and went to one of the sofas, plopping down and curling my legs to the right. Setting the glass on the side table, I bit off a small chunk and chewed. “It really pisses me off that you sound so surprised.”

“I am.”

“You know what? When I first met you, you made me cry.”

He appeared stunned, even took a small step away from the bar. “How the hell did I do that?”

“Your little speech to me in the elevator that day. I cried so hard, I had to pull over because I couldn’t drive.”

He sighed, dropping his chin to pinch his nose. “Look, Chazzy, I—”

“I let you get to me, Wyatt, but one thing I’ve learned the last few months is that I am a beautiful woman. I am sexy. My curves are bigger than a lot of women’s, but that doesn’t mean I’m not good looking. Frankly, I am sick and tired of your smug remarks and would appreciate if you kept your low opinions of me to yourself from here on out. I’ve had it. You don’t like me, fine. Get over it, because I’m not going any goddamn where.”

My outburst done, I sat properly on the couch, sipped my wine, and stared out the wall of windows, watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.

Several minutes ticked by in quietness before he was suddenly behind the sofa, so close, I felt his heat. He knelt, his mouth dangerously near my ear.