With chagrin, I realize that seems to be my own story, minus the
over part and the drifting away part. No, no, this is different. I went into this with eyes wide open. Blake and I are enjoying each other while we’re neighbors, and that’s it. I’m not harboring any secret dreams of happy ever after. Okay, so I am harboring secret dreams; sometimes they’re so secret, I manage to convince myself they don’t exist.
“Caroline, long time no see,” Ava says.
“Not that long. I was at the wedding.”
Ava makes more small talk with Caroline, but I’m busy observing Daniel—specifically the way he looks at Caroline. With longing. Well, well.
My meddling tendencies are rearing their head, but pffffffft...I’m a little fuzzy from the champagne. This might be a task for the master meddler, Pippa. Or at least a sober Clara. Before I can whip a coherent plan here, Caroline’s gone again.
***
I’m unsteady on my feet as Blake and I leave the venue a few minutes later.
“Can we walk a few blocks and then grab a cab?” I ask Blake, needing some fresh air.
“Sure.”
“How can I be so light-headed?” I ask, holding on to him for dear life. I’m really unsteady on my feet. “I just had two glasses.”
“Three. You drank mine too,” Blake exclaims.
Oh crap. Well, that explains why my glass wasn’t getting empty even though I kept drinking.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you, my drunk girl.”
“Tipsy,” I correct.
“Got it.”
“But I’ll pretend I’m drunk if it means you’ll take care of me.”
We come to a halt between two Jacaranda trees, and he pulls me flush against him.
“I thought you didn’t want me to take care of you.” He nuzzles his nose against mine in an Eskimo kiss. Ah, damn it, Blake! He has to turn down the charm, right now, or I might say some things I shouldn’t.
I put a finger to my lips. “Shhh, it’s a secret, but I actually love it that you’re so protective and attentive.”
On a whim, I kiss his cheek lightly.
“What’s that for?”
“Bringing me to the show with your family. I didn’t know how ‘no labels’ works exactly. If it meant just fun under the covers, or....”
Damn champagne. It loosens my tongue, and I really need no help in that department. I speak too much as it is, and one is not supposed to say these things out loud.
Blake wraps an arm around my waist, cupping my cheek with the other hand, and holds my gaze captive in his.
“I want to make one thing clear. There’s going to be rough fucking and sweet lovemaking and everything in between. But it will always be more than fun under the covers. Okay?”
I shudder involuntarily as I nod. “Okay.”
“When I said I want you in my life, not just my bed, I meant it. And here’s a label for you—mine. You’re mine.”
“You’re being sweet again. Just thought I’d point that out.” I inform him. Lucky he’s holding me tight, because I’m swooning a little. A lot, actually. “I know you had plans for us tonight, sorry. I don’t think I’m up to anything.”
“Let’s get you home, drunk girl.”