“That was fast,” I say to him as he sets the tray down over my lap.
“Didn’t want you up here alone in case you got sicker.” I hear the worry in his voice, and I hate like hell that it’s there.
I grab his hand and say, “I promise I’m okay.”
“Still hate that I can’t get you better and that this shit has to run its fucking course.” You can hear the concern he still has in his voice and I hate to even bring it up, but I have to. He can’t get sick too.
“Speaking of, you should probably stay clear of me. So, you won’t get sick, too,”
“Like fucking hell.” he grouses, as he sits down right beside me, and watches over me like a mother hen. I have a feeling he’ll be in this same spot. It’s just a matter of time.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Declan
Kendall called it. A week later I was laid up in bed. She wore a mask to keep from getting the flu again. It also pissed me off, because I still didn’t have my ring on her finger.
When we were both feeling better, Kendall commandeered me and said, “Let’s go. I already cleared your calendar with Jake and packed our bags. The jet is waiting for us.”
“Fuck, but I love you.” That snuck out. I wanted to tell her that I loved her in a different setting.
“I’ve known you loved me from the very beginning, Declan. You don’t have to say it to prove your love to me. You show me in everything you do, in every way you take care of me. It’s me that should be embarrassed that I haven’t told you that I love you, yet. I do, you know. I love you with every depth of my being. I was made for you,” she declares.
I don’t give her another chance to say anything else. My hands land on her hips and I bring her into my body and kiss her deeply. She’s on her toes trying to give me everything she’s got and I’m giving her all of me.
We pull back from one another. I look down into her eyes as she looks up into mine.
“I love you, Declan,” she whispers out.
“I love you,” I respond. I pull her out the door and grab our two bags that were sitting by the front door, heading out to the car.
We’re on our way to the airport when she asks, “Do you want to know where we’re going?”
“As long as it’s with you, I don’t care,”
“Well, in that case I’ll tell you. It took me getting your parents involved to get this put together, and you never, not once told me you had a place in Aruba,” she’s smiling.
“I know who had a hand in this,” I say with a chuckle.
“She sure did. Thank goodness someone did. I was telling her I was looking online for an all-inclusive resort when she told me about your family home down there.”
“I should have told you. It slipped my mind. I can’t wait to get you down there and keep you in nothing but a bathing suit. How long are we going for?” I ask.
“A full week and the surprises don’t stop there,” she says with sass in her voice.
“Better watch out, I may have a few up my sleeve as well,” I respond as we pull into the air strip. I’ve never been more thankful for the big piece of metal sitting right there.
I help her out of the car, before grabbing our bags.
We make our way inside and it’s as immaculate as ever. Yet, there’s one thing missing.
“Do we have the jet for ourselves,” I question her.
“We sure do. Well, except the two pilots,” she says with a wink. I take our bags and put them in the back bedroom, then come out and sit down with her until it’s time for take-off.
I know what I want to do to her during our three-hour flight.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Kendall
As soon as the seat belt light goes off, I make my way to the back bedroom. I wanted to surprise Declan with something that will stick with him for the rest of his life. I bought a naughty flight attendant outfit on a whim hoping one day I could make this fantasy come true.
“Where are you going?” Declan asks.
“I’ll be right back. I left something in my bag,” I respond.
“I’ll go get it. Take a break, baby. I want you well rested for our time away.” He’s trying to derail me from my plans, but I won’t let him.
“Declan, it’ll only take a few minutes. Sit tight.” I move around his grabbing hands before he can get up and do anything else.
Rushing to the room. I start stripping out of my cotton sundress and sandals. I find just what I’m looking for.