Page 14 of Objection

It was starting to feel like something I could actually have.

All the objections and reasons we shouldn’t be together—the age difference, our work relationship, my skepticism with trusting men to be consistent—they were starting to matter less and less. Every reservation I had, whether shared with him or not, was shredded by his intentions, words, and actions.

As I made my way back out to him, my nervous system instantly relaxed. I made myself anxious out of self-preservation, but every time I was in his presence, I felt calm. Safe. Seen. Heard. Valued.Fuck. I was going to fall in love with this man . . . and I was going to fallhard.

Kaos

“Talk to me,” I commanded, running my fingers through Serenity’s hair. “I feel your fear. I know when you’re at war with yourself about me. About us. I know time and consistency will show you that I’m serious, but is there anything I can say or do now to make you feel comfortable taking things to the next level with me?”

Serenity wrapped her leg and arm tighter around me. We were lying together on the couch outside the villa staring out into the ocean. Since we had an early flight home in the morning, we decided to chill for the rest of the evening after the horseback ride.

“I know it sounds cliché, but I love hard, Kaos. When I’m in a relationship, I give my all. It hurts to pour so much into relationships that shift as quickly and without warning as these tides. And I know it’s all about perspective and that I should just appreciate the good times when a relationship ends . . . but I’m tired of them ending. I was starting to lose hope in finding myforever, and then things changed with you.” Her voice lowered and shook when she said, “But I’m still scared.”

“Of me hurting you?”

“Yes . . . but also of losing you. Maybe I’m not mature enough but I don’t want to just appreciate a quick honeymoon phase of happiness with another man. If it’s not going to lead to my forever love, I don’t want it. I’m tired of wasting love and losing men I’ve shared parts of myself with that they clearly didn’t appreciate and deserve.”

When she sniffled, I realized she didn’t need me to say anything to change her mind. She needed me to heal the remnants of pain left by previous men with my consistency, my love, my effort, and my devotion toward her. That would take commitment, time, and dedication, and I would gladly give her that. She was worth it.Wewere worth it.

Tires touching down on concrete pulled me back to reality as our company jet landed. I held Serenity’s hand while Raquel put our bags in the back seat. Once we were settled inside the car, I told her, “You’re coming home with me.”

“You haven’t gotten tired of me yet?” she teased with a smile.

“I will never get tired of you.”

Leaning forward, Serenity puckered her lips for a kiss that I happily gave her. Music played lowly in the background. She hummed, eyes closed, with a soft smile on her face. I took a picture of her, wanting to have proof of this peaceful moment with her—of her.

When we made it to my home, I gave her a tour, saving my bedroom for last. I was exhausted and wanted to do nothing but shower and crash. My plan was to let her shower in my bathroom while I showered in one of the guest bathrooms. So when she began to undress as she walked toward the bathroom and asked me, “Are you going to join me?” it caught me by surprise.

“Shit, you ain’t got to invite me but once.”

Serenity laughed as I immediately stripped too. We kissed and touched each other as we stumbled toward the bathroom, stopping long enough to get the water at a temperature that was good enough for the both of us.

“I remember the first week we met you said patience gets you nowhere,” Serenity reminded me as we stood under the showerhead. “You said the only way to get what you wanted was with immediate action.” She paused and looked up at me with all the admiration in the world as she said, “Thank you for being patient with me.” A quiet chuckle escaped her before she added, “I know taking things slow may not be your preferred method of action.”

“It’s not,” I admitted with a smile as I cupped her cheek. “But some things, some people, are worth taking things slow . . . though I would usually just reserve that slowness for when I’m in your pussy. I want you, and I know I’m going to have you. We can take our time.”

Our lips connected again, and when I realized where things were about to go, I pulled away so we could wash and get the fuck out of this shower.

Kaos

Back at the Office

“The rest of the partners are ready for you in conference room three,” Serenity told me over the intercom.

After pressing the button I told her, “Thank you. Please let them know I’ll be right down. I need to find that file Unc wanted me to look over before he gets here, and I can’t remember where I put it or the man’s name.”

Serenity giggled. “His name is Woody Simpson. The file is in your middle desk drawer.”

Relief quickly washed over me when I opened the drawer and saw the file.

“Thanks, princess. Did we get the—”

“I put the affidavit in there before we left for Greece. His first court date isn’t for another three weeks, so you have more than enough time to prepare should you decide to take on the case.”

“Perfect, thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

---