“I’m sure it was just an accident. The waiter tripped,” Birdie says.
“We’ll see. Why don’t you say goodbye to your guests?” I jerk my head. “Ten minutes, Blake.”
“We’re on it.”
Don’t you have a conscience? I can hear that snake whispering in my head. This was an accident. Nothing more. Nothing’s going to happen to Birdie. There’s no curse that can take her from me.
Chapter Eighteen
Birdie
“Calder!” I scream his name as I come rushing back into the bedroom. He comes flying out of bed from a dead sleep. “Sorry!” I jump into his arms. He catches me easily. “There are pictures everywhere of my clothes! Everyone is talking about it.” I show him my phone. People have been posting on social media all day, raving about my collection.
Last night was perfect. I didn’t even care about the little accident that happened at the end of the night. Everything else had gone off without a hitch. My phone was filled with messages, missed calls, and tons of emails congratulating me.
“I thought something happened or you were hurt,” he growls as he sits back down on the bed with me in his lap.
“I got excited.” I wiggle in his lap when his morning wood brushes against my sex. I swear this man is always turned on when I’m around. I love that I do that to him.
“I don’t like when you leave the bed before me.” He wraps his arm around my waist so that I can’t move.
“I had to use the bathroom.” I laugh. Who would have thought Calder would be a cuddle bug? The man loves to wrap his whole body around me. I’m lucky he doesn’t suffocate me in the night. But I’m not complaining one bit. I love every second of it. I sleep so much better now.
Honestly, I was a bit surprised I was able to wiggle out from his hold to even go. I must have worn him out because my departure from the bed was not a smooth one. I’d jumped up, barely making it to the toilet in time before I threw up.
I’d done the same thing yesterday afternoon. I chalked it up to nerves. Thankfully, after I brushed my teeth I felt fine. Well, until I saw my phone and all I could feel was excitement. Everything else was forgotten. Everything I dreamed of is finally happening.
“Why are you surprised? I knew it would be a hit.”
I melt into him. He has so much confidence in me. I almost had a small meltdown yesterday. But he pulled me back and talked me down. He stayed at my side or not far from it all night in case I needed him.
“Thank you for everything. I don’t think I could have done this without you.”
“I’ll do anything for you,” he says before pressing his mouth against mine in a slow, sweet kiss. “Spend the day with me. We’ll celebrate.”
“That sounds perfect. Can we go riding?”
“Are you talking about the horses or me?” He gives my ass a squeeze, making me laugh.
“Both.” He rolls over, pinning me to the bed beneath him. I let the phone slip from my fingers as Calder’s mouth travels down my body. He makes me come twice before he thrusts inside of me. Something is different this time.
He takes his time with me. His mouth never leaves my body.
“Calder!” I cry out as he makes me come again. “I love you,” I whisper.
“Say it again,” he demands.
“I love you.”
He lets out a deep groan, coming inside of me. “I can’t let you go.”
“I don’t want you to.”
He lifts me, carrying me into the shower. By the time we get out of the shower and get dressed, it's almost lunch time. When we finally make our way out of the bedroom, we stop by the kitchen, where Calder packs a lunch to take with us.
“We’ll take the horses out and pick a spot to stop and eat lunch if that sounds good to you?” I never thought I would enjoy riding as much as I do. But that might be because I’ve formed a bond with Dolly.
“That sounds perfect.” I take Calder’s hand. I squeeze it when I hear the sound of clicking heels coming toward us. I already know who it’s going to be.
“Where are you two off to?” my mom asks as she enters the kitchen.
“Riding.” Calder answers before I can.
“Is this true?” She pulls out her phone, showing us a pic on the screen of a popular gossip website. I saw it already. It says Calder and I are engaged. I run my finger absently where the blue diamond had been stuck. I haven’t seen it since I shoved it back at Calder.
“No,” I rush to say. The relief is clear on her face. I’m just not sure why it’s there. “Why don’t you stay out of my business? You’ve done it for years.” I pull on Calder's hand to leave the kitchen.