Page 188 of With Us

“I’ve never been on vacation,” I shared, something which was probably obvious.

“Then we’ll plan more. Where would you like to go next?”

Shrugging, the weightless excitement made me laugh. “I have no clue.”

“We’ll start researching when we get home.”

I’d have been lying if I said what Theo gave me had nothing to do with money. I knew I’d have been happy sitting in a tiny apartment with him while we watched the New Year countdown online like I used to. But there was no denying that watching it with him live from an exclusive spot while wearing an insanely sexy outfit wasmuchbetter.

Luckily, I’d already accepted I was probably a bad person for not putting up a fight when Theo wanted to buy me things. I’d lived through being so poor I couldn’t always eat. If the man I loved happened to have God knew how much money, who was I to say no?

Money couldn’t buy happiness, but it damn sure didn’t hurt anything.

In that moment, pushed close to Theo, my mind wasn’t running wild with doubts and arguments.

I didn’t feel the need to justify anything.

I drank amazing cocktails. I ate delicious food. I laughed with a carefree abandon.

I was happy.

Not just for a moment. Or despite anything. Or because I was too tipsy to care.

I was happy because Theo had made it so.

Looking out the window, the countdown clock showed we were a little over a minute away from midnight. I tugged Theo’s head down so I could drunkenly whisper, “For the first time in my entire life, I feel excited and hopeful about what the new year will bring. I love you, my Theo.”

His eyes blazed as he cupped my face, but I could only see them for a moment before his lips touched mine. I was vaguely aware of the countdown happening around us, and Theo pulled away with only seconds to spare.

We watched the ball drop, the confetti spray, and the whole city roar as the clock struck midnight.

Theo’s lips brushed across mine, his hold tender. “Happy New Year, my gattina.”

“Happy New Year, my Theo.” I went onto my tiptoes, my hands on his hard chest. “My panties are in my purse.”

The amount of desire that crossed his face had me squirming in anticipation. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

I smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

So Right, So Wrong

Dahlia

Rolling over, I reached out for Theo but found his side of the bed empty. I got up, rubbing my eyes as I checked the time. I was surprised. Not only was it early, but Theo was supposed to have the day off.

We’d gotten back from NYC a few days before, and he’d been working basically nonstop.

Something probably came up since he’s so busy.

I showered before dressing in some leggings and long sleeve tee. I loosely braided my hair and swiped on a little makeup in case Theo was able to get away for our brunch plans.

Jogging down the steps, I headed straight for the coffee machine. I’d just picked up my mug when I saw Theo leaning against the entryway, watching me.

“Marry me.”

Almost dropping my cup, I set it down with shaky fingers. “What?”

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