I kiss the tip of her nose. “Because you’re kind.”
I kiss her forehead. “Because you don’t put up with my shit.”
I kiss her cheek. “Because I can’t think of any other person I want to be with.”
I kiss her other cheek. “Because you’re smart.”
I kiss her neck. “Because you’re sexy.”
I suck one nipple. “Because I haven’t been with anyone since I met you.”
I suck on her other nipple. “Because you’re the one I’m going to love forever.”
I lift up my head. “Because you’re the only girl I’ve seen puke and still want to take home.”
Clara sniffs and I wipe the tear running down her cheek.
“I’m falling in love with you too.”
“Took you long enough.”
She laughs as her legs wrap around me, ending our conversation.
Epilogue
Clara
Four Months Later
“Where are we going?” I ask for the third time since Ben put me in his car and tied a blindfold over my eyes.
“Patience. We’re almost there.”
Ben holds my hand as he drives, the radio playing in the background. His thumb rubs over my knuckles, embarrassing me by turning me on.
After the wedding Ben’s been at my house every night. He says he can’t sleep without me next to him. I don’t argue because I feel the same way. We go out to dinner with my dad at least once a week. Giving him the support he needs as he goes through his divorce.
Yeah, I know. How exciting.
Trifecta is having its grand opening in four months. We’re working hard getting it ready for opening day, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Even being busy as we get his new venture together, Ben made a rule where we stop working at eight-thirty every night and spend the rest of the night not talking about anything work related.
I’m so in love with him it hurts, but I’m not scared. Not when I can look at him and know without a doubt he feels the same way.
“We’re here.”
I reach to take off my blindfold but Ben stops me. “Not yet.”
He opens my door, picking me up before I can climb out of the car.
“Should I be worried?”
Ben laughs and kisses me on the forehead. He unlocks a door, but still doesn’t set me down. With a deep breath, Ben puts me down and unties the blindfold.
Tears rush to my eyes. We’re in the renovated Trifecta club.There’s still construction going on to transform it from Big Willie’s, but it’s coming along. Willie still has the place for three more months and he’s keeping the venue open draining the last drop of money he can before it turns over to the Trifecta. We promised to keep the construction hidden so it wouldn’t hurt business. But right now all I see are the roses and candles all over the room.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you.”
“I’m going to give you a pass on that cheesy line because it’s so perfect in here.”
“Thank you, but your surprise isn’t done yet.” Ben leads me to a chair in the middle of the stage. He presses a button on a remote control he has in his pocket. The song he gave me my first lap dance to comes on through the speakers.
His hips move in rhythm to the song. Lust rushes over me when he grabs the bottom of his shirt, pulling it up, revealing his abs. The abs I’ve spent countless hours memorizing. He leans over and grinds into me, moving around in an arousing dance. He unbuttons his pants and I reach over wanting to help him get them off faster.
“No touching the talent.” He kisses my nose.
I lean back and enjoy the show. A loud thump sounds when his pants hit the stage. “What was that?” he asks.
“I don’t know. It was in your pocket.”
Ben chuckles as he gets down on his knees, running his palms over my legs. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring box.
My hand covers my mouth as tears rush to my eyes.
“Clara, I love you. You’ve made me the happiest man. But you could make me even happier if you marry me.”
His hands shake as he opens the box. A sparkling princess cut diamond winks at me in the light.
“Yes, yes.” I get down on my knees and kiss him.
Ben puts the ring on my finger, and I fling my arms around him. He picks me up and walks me further down the stage where an air mattress with rose petals waits for us.
“Air mattress, huh? Pretty confident.”
Ben cracks a smile as he tosses me on the bed. “I’m a Trifecta, what can I say?”
"No, you're my Trifecta "