Her Paradise

“You can tell me anything.” He rubs his nose against mine. He puts me at ease instantly with his tenderness.

“I’ve never done this.” I lick my lips, drawing his eyes there.

“Had sex?” he asks. His voice is deeper.

I nod.

“I wondered if some high school prick got to you while I was gone.”

“No, even though I was pissed. It’s always been you.”

“You might not have sent me care packages, but you took care of what’s mine. Didn’t you?” My face flames, but I nod.

“It’s more than not having sex.” My eyes meet his. “I’ve never done anything. You were my first kiss only a few weeks ago.”

Cyrus lets out a heavy breath and his chest rises and falls under my hands.

“Cy?” I snap his attention back. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I just want to make sure everything is special for you and all I can think about is pulling you to the ground and making you mine right now.”

“I’m already yours.” I smile at him and kiss him softly.

“Saying that isn’t helping my control right now.”

“You know, I’ve never seen inside this place,” I say, looking around.

I try and change the subject so he can get a moment to collect himself. I know Cyrus is big on his manners around women, and I don’t want him to do something he’ll regret. Even if I like the idea of him losing his control. That I’m the one that can push him to the edge makes me feel special.

“I love you, too,” he responds, unaffected by my attempts at changing the subject. “I’ve wanted to tell you that for so long.” He brushes his lips against mine, and I open for him. I grip his shirt tighter and pull him into me, deepening the kiss.

When he breaks our connection, we’re both breathing heavy. He rests his forehead against mine. “Let me show you where you’ll be living from now on.”

“Is that so?” I laugh, enjoying his bossy side. It makes me feel feminine for some reason. I’m not going to try and figure out if I should like it or not. I’m done fighting this. I’m going to take everything I can get my hands on and not question how things make me feel.

“Look behind you. I’m pretty sure I have no idea what to do with all that.” For the first time I glance back and look over my shoulder.

“Oh. My. God.” I push at his chest, trying to get down off the counter. He grips my hips as I slide off the table and onto my feet. He lets me go and I dart into the kitchen.

“You did this?” My eyes brim with tears.

“Well, I’m not sure if it’s more for me or you. God knows I love to eat your cooking. Now I won’t have to sneak to get some.”

The kitchen is giant. It’s a chef’s dream come true.

“I can’t believe you did this.” I turn in a circle, trying to take it all in. From the pure white quartz countertops, to the black wood cabinets, to three freaking ovens and two sinks. One is even in the island.

“I’d do anything to lure you into staying here.”

“It’s all so much.” Too much.

“I built it for you. It’s the least I can do. You’re going to be cooking all our meals in here.” He walks over toward me. I launch myself at him, and he catches me easily. His hands go to my ass as he holds me possessively.

“Say it again,” I push. I want to hear those words on his lips again.

“I love you, Sammy.”

“I love you, too, Cyrus.” I kiss him as he holds me tight. “Why don’t you give me a tour of the bedroom?”

5

Cyrus

“I thought you’d never ask,” I say as I scoop her up in my arms and carry her through the house. “That will be the first baby’s room,” I say as we pass one of the bedrooms. “This will be the second.”

“How many baby rooms are there?” she asks with a laugh in her voice. She doesn’t seem scared by my words.

“Well, there are three guest bedrooms, but I was thinking I could always add on to the back.”

“You’ve lost your mind, but it’s kind of adorable.”

“I guess we’ll just wait and see.” I bury my face in her neck, and she laughs as I walk into the master bedroom.

There’s not much to it because I left it blank, thinking maybe one day she’d like to do it herself. The bathroom is attached and has a big claw foot tub and a shower. It’s simple, but that’s the way I wanted it to be. Because I knew once I finally got her to be mine she’d make changes and I’d want to see them. I want to be able to look at this place years from now and see her everywhere. Just like she is in my heart.