Page 98 of Sweeter Than Fiction

He laughs. “I don’t mean you’re literally quiet. I mean that I come see you, and it’s easy to shut the rest of the world out. When you are I are together in my apartment or yours or whatever, it’s like the world outside disappears.”

“How is it that you always know the perfect things to say? I swear sometimes, I think God has to be a woman because no way could a man make a guy as perfect as you.”

“I’m not perfect, Abs. And I’m sure the longer you and I do this, the more you will realize that. I do have flaws.”

“Maybe,” I say. “But I can guarantee that your good qualities will outweigh your flaws.”

“I hope so. Don’t want to disappoint you.”

“Impossible,” I reply with a kiss on his cheek.

As he starts pulling out some snacks from the picnic basket, he changes the subject. “Okay, so I have to ask. What else did you and Jill talk about on your little excursion yesterday? Was it just the Alicia thing?”

“Are you worried she will scare me off or something?” I tease.

The slight worry on his face makes me think that maybe I’ve hit the nail on the head.

“Don, let me tell you something,” I begin. “I have read hundreds, probably thousands, of romance novels. I’d read about the men who were wonderful to their women, and I’d think how great that was…for someone else. I never fathomed that a guy like that would ever even look my way let alone want to be with me. And then, you walked into my life. Everything changed. You make me feel in ways that I didn’t even think was possible. There’s no way in hell that I’m letting you go—no matter what your sister may or may not say.”

I can see the relief wash over his face. “You make me really fucking happy. Do you know that?”

“Back at you, babe.”

He holds me close while we watch the sun go down. I still can’t get over how gorgeous this view is. I love New York and all it has to offer. I never see myself living anywhere else.

But this sure as hell is a nice change of pace for a few days.

And it helps that I’m sitting here with a gorgeous man who treats me like a queen. When this whole thing started, unbelievable was the only word I could think of that would describe it. It felt like there was no way this could actually be my life.

But now, the only word I can think of to describe it is grateful. Although sometimes, I still think it’s a little unbelievable. I’m damn sure happy that it’s happening.

And I plan on enjoying every single second of it…starting with this gorgeous sunset.

Chapter Thirty-seven

Abby

“Hold your horses!” I call as I jog to the door. This is the second time that Don has knocked. The first time I was just stepping out of the shower. I called for him to hold on a second, but now he’s knocking on the door like he’s the FBI or something.

I really need to get him his own key.

Whoa, that sounds crazy. A month ago, I would be described as nothing but a crazy cat lady who had nothing but her knitting and romance books. Now, I’m contemplating giving my boyfriend a key.

Weird.

Still wrapped in a towel, I swing open the door, saying, “Good grief, keep your pants on!”

But it’s not Don standing there.

It’s my mother.

What the hell?

Looking me up and down, she says, “Looks like you are the one who needs to keep your pants on.”

I can feel my face starting to redden—partly from embarrassment and partly from my already-rising blood pressure.

Her presence here can’t be good. Suddenly realizing what this may be about, I say, “Oh, God! Did something happen to Dad?”

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