“Morning,” I say, more chirpily then I mean to. “You remember Oz?”
“Dessert guy,” she says, looking at the pastries. I silently motion for Oz to offer her one.
“I brought breakfast if you’re hungry,” he finally says, making me smile.
“She’s always hungry,” I inform him, because she is, and also I want him to know things about Paige. For them to be friendly.
“Thanks.” She grabs some chocolate-looking thing before shoving it into her mouth. “I’m going to get ready for work,” she says around it.
“Oz is taking me into the office. You can ride with us.”
“It’s three blocks,” she reminds me, clearly not wanting the ride.
“I guess that’s true.” I look up at Oz. It would be silly to have him drop me off when we’re so close.
“Let me take you, baby. I want to say goodbye before I head to the airport.”
“Give that man a freaking key if he’s going to be banging on this door at five in the morning!” Paige yells from down the hallway before I hear her door shut.
“I like the sound of that.” He leans in again, going for my neck. I’m beginning to think that’s a weak spot for me. I melt every time.
“It’s too soon to give you a key.” My words hold no power as I let him devour my neck. “Right?”
“You’re the only one here setting a pace, sweet Mallory.” He kisses right below my ear and pulls back once again.
“So, boyfriend and girlfriend?” The question seems so juvenile, but for some reason, I want some kind of label before he leaves town. He said we’re exclusive, but I want to know what to call him.
“You’re mine.” The way he says it seems so final, and a thrill runs through me. “And I’m yours.”
“You always say the sweetest things.” I look down at my lap, trying to hide my warm cheeks.
“Only to you.” His hand comes under my chin, lifting it so my eyes meet his again. “You going to let me take you to work and give me a goodbye?”
I lick my lips and nod, and he kisses me yet again.
Chapter Eleven
Mallory
* * *
Oz and I sit and enjoy our breakfast for a few more minutes until it’s time for us to go. I’m secretly glad he came over so early because it meant we got to spend as much time together as we could before he left. Getting to know each other a little more. He told me stories about him and his mother. She seems to be the only other person he really talks about. It’s sweet and I find it rather endearing.
When we get in the back of the limo, I sit on his lap like the other times before. I like that he wants me close, but it’s going to make being apart from him for a few days even harder.
“When are you coming back?” I ask as he kisses my neck.
“Saturday. If all goes to plan.” He releases a huff, and I can tell he doesn’t want to go. Whether it’s because of me or the aggravation of work, I’m unsure. Either way, I can tell he doesn’t want to go as much as I don’t want him to.
He looks up at me with his sapphires, and I get lost in them. The bright navy blues make me fall for him a little more every day. I stroke his trimmed beard and look into his eyes as we ride the three blocks to work.
“Next time, you should come with me,” he says, running his big hands down my back.
I kiss him, letting my tongue slip past his lips. He holds me closer to him, deepening it and taking control. But all too soon the limo stops.
He presses his forehead to mine, and I sit there, taking in his scent one last time before he’s gone.
“It’s a few days. We’ll be fine. Right?”
Oz laughs as he pulls back, but he shakes his head. “I’ll be fine when I have you in my arms again. Don’t make plans Saturday. I want you all to myself.” He runs his finger down my cheek to my chin, where he lightly grips it. “Deal?”
“Deal,” I quickly agree. I want nothing more than to have a whole day with Oz, getting to know him even more.
“Now get to work before I make you late, baby. Saying goodbye is hard enough for me.”
One more quick kiss and he’s opening the door and helping me out.
“Promise me you’ll keep your phone on you at all times while I’m gone. I’ll go crazy if I can’t get in touch with you,” he says, pulling me in for a hug.
“I promise.” I squeeze him back, before looking up to his blues, longing to get back in that limo with him.
I finally pull back and walk toward the building. I turn and look back one last time before entering. He’s still there, watching me go in, and I can’t help but think we are both a little head over heels in this.