Love You Always

I run my hand down my face, not wanting this to wait, but what could go wrong in the time it takes him to get here? I’ll get lost in some emails. I could actually call my brother and see what he wants. I have a feeling it’s not him calling at all but my sister-in-law, Amelia, fishing for details on my new love life.

Love life. I actually have one. Then it hits me. I told her that I loved her. Of course I fucking love her. Those words had been on the tip of my tongue all night but I hadn't wanted to say them while we were making love. I didn't want her to think it was an in the heat of the moment thing. Again, I also didn't want to send her running. Then I went and said them without realizing I’d done it before I’d walked out of the bakery.

I smile. It doesn’t matter. She can try and run all she wants. I’ll catch her again and again. I’ll always be willing to chase after her. Now the minutes will only seem longer until I know I can go back to the bakery and pick her up.

I was so wrong. Things could go wrong rather quickly.

20

Alyssa

I stare at the door Sean just strolled out of. Did he just say he loved me? I hop down from the counter, wanting to run after him. I’ve been wanting to say those same words to him. Again, I was running scared not saying them last night when I wanted to. I kept waiting for them to come from him.

He’d pushed so hard for there to be an us that I kept thinking at any moment he’d say it. We made love so many times last night I’m not sure how I’m not dead on my feet at this point. My body aches but in the best of ways. The connection I felt to Sean last night was beyond anything that I ever could have imagined.

“You okay, Alyssa?” Izzy, one of the girls that works the counter, asks. I’ve been training her on decorating. She is actually getting better than me at frosting. I’m not as good with the designs. I can do them but I’m not an artist. I am all about the flavor and making them taste delicious. Having to make them pretty was something I had to train myself to do. For Izzy it comes naturally.

“Can you finish this order for me? It just needs to be decorated.” I pull off my apron, knowing that I need to go see Sean and tell him the way I’m feeling. This is one thing that I don’t want to run from.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yeah. You got it?”

“Of course. I’m just surprised you’re letting me do one that will go out without your approval.” She beams at me. The excitement is clear on her face.

“I trust you.” I smile back at her as I go running out the front door. This time I’m not running from Sean, I’m running toward him. I want to say those words back to him. I want him to know I’m in this, too.

When I get to the club, I pause. It’s not open yet. How will I even get in? I’m guessing it’s the same as our place; people go in the backdoor.

“Alyssa?” Someone calls my name. I turn to see a tall older man in a suit coming toward me. He gives me a smile seeming friendly. I feel like I’ve seen him before. “I’ll get the door for you, ma’am.” He pulls a key out to unlock the door for me.

“Do I know you?” Why is he just letting me in? How does he know my name?

“I’m Charlie. Think of me as security.” He opens the door wide for me.

“Thanks.” I step inside the club. This time no one is at the front. My mind flicks to Amber, who was there the last time I was here. The same woman who gave me all those dirty looks. I might have to get used to other women wanting Sean, but I know he’s mine and I trust he’d never break my heart. Not after last night.

As I go further inside, there is no sound of music. People move about the club, getting it ready for the night.

“Noah,” I hear someone shout. I turn at the sound of a voice. The man who shouted nods his chin at me.

“I got her.” I turn again, almost running into someone.

“Alyssa. How lovely to meet you. You’re even more adorable in person.” The man in the fancy suit who looks like one of the best dressed people in the world holds out his hand to me. His dark hair is perfectly in place. Everything about him is. He’s almost as tall as Sean, and that’s saying a lot, but he’s more lean where Sean is thick. “I’m Noah.”