Page 89 of Uniquely in Love

Breakfast was amazing. But then, hadn’t Owen proved that everything he did was incredible?

I sat on a barstool, watching him putter around the kitchen, cleaning up after finishing the dishes. I’d tried to help him, but he’d insisted.

Not that I could complain. I liked this version of him. It reminded me of the way my dad always doted on my mom, making sure she was happy and treating her like a queen. He’d always called herDarling.

I rested my head on my hands as I watched him, enjoying the sight of his ass in those tight boxer briefs and the muscled abdomen I’d gotten my hands all over last night. Now that I’d seen his tattoo, I couldn’t believe I’d never noticed it before. I couldn’t believe that he’d gotten it, either.

It was something so small, but it proved that neither one of us had stopped thinking about the other.

I didn’t know what to do with that. Five years. It had been five years since that weekend in his dorm. A weekend that had started out perfectly, or pretty close to it. We’d shared our first times with each other. He’d been so gentle and patient, trying to make sure he didn’t hurt me. Andthen…

Then I’d ruined everything.

“Ellie.”

“Hm?” I asked, my cup of coffee perched at my mouth.

He smirked. “Stop staring at my ass.”

“I wasn’t,” I lied.

“You’ve had that mug in the air for five minutes, Daisy. I can practically see the drool on your face.”

My cheeks warmed, and I set it down.

“It’s okay,” he said nonchalantly. “You can admit that you just want me for my body.” Owen flexed his muscles. “I won’t be too offended.”

“Owen.” My mouth dropped open. “I don’t?—”

He laughed, and his entire face lit up as he dropped the towel on the sink, clearly satisfied with his cleaning job, before walking over to me. His hands cupped my face. “I know.” He kissed me softly. “Now, how should we spend the rest of my day off? We could spend it on the couch, or we could try to go down to the rink and skate. Get you back on the ice.”

“Mmm…” I pretended to think about it, but I knew what my answer was immediately. A chance to snuggle on the couch? Sold.

He was right. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday.

“Bye Ms. Bradford!”One of my favorite students called out as she rushed out the door. Halloween was this week, and the kids were so excited about their costumes and telling each other what they were dressing up as, and it was absolutely adorable. I was so excited to hear them babble about their favorite superheroes and princesses.

Sophia had texted me again to confirm that I was still coming to the team Halloween Party this week, and Ireassured her I would come. Not that I’d had time to even think about a costume yet. I had no idea what I was going to wear. Especially since Owen and I weren’t dating, and suggesting a couple’s costume might be weird.

One day, I couldn’t wait to do Halloween with my own kids. It had always been one of my favorite memories with my family. Every year, we had a big Halloween party at the Harper house with all the cousins and family friends. Everyone dressed up, and a lot of the times, each of our families had come in matching costumes. All our parents invited their friends. It was always so fun.

This year, I’d be missing that, and the thought made me a little homesick. I talked to my mom almost every day—even if it was just a text—and did my best to call her and my dad at least once a week. They liked my weekly updates, even if I hadn’t told them about everything going on with Owen and I. My siblings were a different story. Abigail was busy living her insane life, jet-setting around the world with her fashion line. Beau was busy with football, which I understood even more now that I was living with Owen.

It was crazy to think this Friday marked three weeks since I’d moved with him. It was everything I’d ever wanted. I hadn’t been able to wipe a smile off my face all day. Spending yesterday together had been amazing. The best sex of mylife.Not that I had much to compare it to—I’d only ever been with him. But he was sweet and caring, and he always made sure it was good for me. I wasn’t sure what else you could want in a partner. And I knew I didn’t want anyone else but him.

Not that we’d had that conversation yet. He kept brushing it off. I wasn’t sure if I should be worried.

But this was why I’d moved here, so I couldn’t bring myself to regret it.

My phone buzzed, and I opened it to find a text from Owen.

Owen

I have a surprise for you when you get home.

Ellie

I’m just finishing up and then I’ll head back.

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