Guaranteeing she doesn’t float away, I twirl her golden locks between my fingers as I eat a bacon egg and cheese sandwich.
After years of pushing Callie away, it’s surreal to be sitting here with her in my lap, sharing a meal, touching, and talking. It feels damn good to finally have her in my arms, in my bed, and in my life.
Last night might not have been the best way to tell Callie she’s mine, but I meant it. She is mine. She has been since she stumbled into my office and I caught her in my arms.
As much as I wish we could stay in this moment forever, I need to talk to Callie about my trip to Los Angeles. I’d prefer to keep her out of it, but I can’t. This affects her, and I need her help. She’s the key to figuring out who is behind all these incidents.
As if she can hear my thoughts, she asks, “How was LA?”
“Not as productive as I would have liked.”
She nods, and I can hear the cogs in her head turning.
“Can I ask why?” She faces forward, but I need to see her face when we have this conversation, so I flip her around to straddle me.
“You can ask me anything you want. I was going to tell you everything anyway. No secrets between us, okay?”
I’ve learned from experience that secrets only tear couples apart, and I refuse to be one of those couples. We already have so much working against us—our age difference, our professional relationship, her celebrity status… Hell, I could keep going.
“No secrets,” Callie agrees too quickly.
I arch a brow at her. She hasn’t been exactly forthcoming about her history.
“I swear. I’ve told you everything. If I think of anything else, I’ll tell you.”
Her promise is earnest and provides me with great confidence, in her and in us. I lean in and kiss her, returning the trust. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I don’t want to mess this up, Eli.”
I push her hair back. “Mess what up?”
“Us.”
Us.I fucking love hearing her say “us” like we’re a foregone conclusion. Because we are. I am never letting her go.
“You could never. We just have to promise to be honest and communicate. We aren’t mind readers, so we have to say what we feel and what we want.”
“I can do that.” Callie cups my cheeks in her small hands. “How has no one snatched you up yet?”
Because no one is you, princess.
To distract Callie, I lean in and kiss the ever-loving fuck out of her. I need to come up with a date fast because this conversation is cutting into what I want to tell her.
She tries to take the kiss further, but I stop her, gripping her waist. My greedy girl is going to need some lessons on patience.
“Behave, princess.”
Callie groans like a needy little kitten and pouts.
I nip at her lip. “Don’t whine. Now, can I finish telling you about my trip?”
“I’m sorry. Please continue.” She pats my chest and leans back.
I hate the short amount of distance between us, but I need to get this out before I get sidetracked and go back to kissing her again.
“The security company I hired found surveillance footage of the man we think is responsible for the damage done to the rigging system and wires. He’s wearing a hood, and his face is well hidden. Mason is still combing through the footage, but he hasn’t found anything yet.”
“So, a dead end?” She sighs in disappointment and looks off to the side, lost in memory.