Page 98 of Champagne Nights

“I love you,” he whispered breathlessly.

“I love you too.”

His movement slowed, and he suddenly halted as I watched the look on his face while he came inside me. He lowered his head and tried to catch his breath. Setting me down, he embraced me and held me as if he was never letting go.

Once our shower was finished, we stepped out, and he wrapped a towel around me before getting one for himself. He kissed my lips one last time, wrapped a towel around his waist, and walked into the bedroom. I walked over to the sink and stared at my wet self in the mirror. Looking down at a black bag that held my makeup, I began to go through it, checking out the two-color eyeshadow palette and the pink blush that sat inside. I picked up my foundation bottle, removed the cap, and stared at it. Closing my eyes, I began to apply it, like I always did. It felt more comfortable that way. I swept a brown shadow across my eye, a touch of blush across my cheeks, and applied a light coat of mascara.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ethan

I stood in the bathroom doorway and watched Aubrey apply her makeup with her eyes closed. I had grown concerned because I noticed she did that a lot today. Stepping out onto the balcony, I gave Dr. Marchetti a call.

“Dr. Marchetti.”

“Hi, doctor, it’s Ethan Klein.”

“Hello, Ethan. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I have some concerns.”

“Okay. What’s going on?”

“Aubrey’s been closing her eyes a lot, and when we left the hospital, she pulled out her cane and used it.”

“Were her eyes closed while she was using her cane?”

“No.”

“You must remember that Aubrey has used only touch sensory for the past seventeen years. To her, that’s her life, her routine, and what makes her feel safe. It’s going to take time for her to adjust physically and emotionally. Each day, she should start becoming less dependent on touch. It’s nothing to worryabout, Ethan. Just do your best to make her feel safe during the transition.”

“Thank you, Dr. Marchetti. I will.”

Ending the call, I placed my phone in my pocket and walked back into the suite.

“Who were you talking to?” Aubrey asked.

“Rob. There was an issue with something at the office.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine now.” I walked over and kissed her. “You should get dressed. We need to get going.”

She walked over to her suitcase and pulled out the two sets of clothes she had packed. She set them on the bed and looked them over.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s just weird actually to see my clothes. I can’t wait to see my closet and to see if anyone has steered me wrong over the years.” She smirked.

I couldn’t help but smile as she removed her towel and pulled on her jeans and a navy blue shirt over her head.

Aubrey

The drive home was a little difficult. I took in as much of the scenery as I could handle but shut my eyes for a while to rest my mind. Ethan tried to comfort me the best he could by holding my hand and making me laugh with his jokes. Some of which weren’t that funny, but I humored him anyway.

He pulled up to the curb of a building, and I looked over at him.

“This is where you live.” He smiled as he squeezed my hand.

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