Back in the bedroom, I take my glasses off the table to read his major points. It’s good. Professional. All the bases are covered, and he’s managed to downplay the relationship between the assistant and the owner. Evan has come so far so fast. He’ll be ready to join the partnership at the end of this year.
Picking up my phone, I punch out a quick reply. Looks like exactly what I would do.
No more grasshopper?
I exhale a chuckle. Your training is complete.
Will you be in this morning? I might be a master, but I still have questions.
I’ll be in before ten.
Putting my phone aside, I glance at the clock that reads eight thirty. Pushing off the floor, I turn to the bed. Amy’s eyes are open, and I brace myself for her response. Will she pull away again? Be awkward or defensive? My breath stills as I wait for it.
Her eyes focus on mine, and she does neither. She smiles.
My chin drops. My head momentarily rests on my forearm as relief washes over me. Then I climb onto the bed to where she’s lying.
“Hi,” I say, pulling her body to mine.
“Hi,” she says back. Then she reaches up and takes off my glasses, slipping them over her eyes. “How do I look?”
I lean down to kiss her lips. “Amazing.”
She smiles and lifts her chin to kiss me again. I don’t hesitate to return it.
“What will we do this morning?” Her fingers cover her lips, and I drop my nose to touch hers.
“I’ve got to go to work, and I know you want to see your mother.” I kiss her nose now. “But first, I want to take you to breakfast, and then I want you to meet me for dinner tonight.”
Another little laugh, and I can’t get over how changed she is. I want to ask why, but I don’t want to do anything that might change her mind.
“Sounds like you’ve got my whole day planned out.”
I kiss her once more and take my glasses back before releasing her and sitting up. “I’ll get dressed, then I’ll drive you to the condo so you can change.”
She blinks down before looking up at me through thick lashes. She doesn’t have to say what she’s thinking. I remember everything she’s told me, and what she needs to understand is I’d never let her do a walk of shame. She’ll never be ashamed as long as we’re together.
“Come on.” I hold out my hand, and she takes it.
It feels like another giant leap in the right direction.
* * *
Amy
Marcus is all around me. He’s strong and determined. He’s comforting and kind. He’s gentle, and this morning he’s so happy, I can’t help smiling. Sometime yesterday—at the hospital or last night, when we made love—I decided without even realizing a decision was made.
He’s all I want. My heart moved to his, knit with his, and now I’m sitting here trying to figure out what comes next. I’m in uncharted waters, but the scariest part is I don’t want to run.
We drive to the condo. He’s dressed for work in slacks, a white oxford, and a light blazer. I change into a thin wrap-top romper and heels. On the way out the door, I scoop up the Tiffany’s box containing Sylvia’s ring. I plan to spend the day with her at the hospital.
“Where are we going?” He doesn’t get the car. Instead, he leads me down a few blocks west, away from the lake.
“The Market.” Pulling my hand into the bend of his arm, he covers it with his. “You’ll like it. Lots of French things.”
My nose wrinkles, and I lean my head against his shoulder. “I’m falling in love with Chicago things.” Or a Chicago person.
Lowering his arm, he clasps my hand as we arrive at the open-air shops. “Here.” He stops at the first vendor and orders breakfast crepes and coffee.