Page 75 of Fourth Wheel
Iwakeupafterthe most restful night of sleep with her by my side. We spend almost all our nights together nowadays, but there’s something about being in the city with her that just feels different. She’s asleep on her stomach, her head turned toward me, her pouty pink lips parted and her thick eyelashes fluttering while she dreams.
She’s an angel.
A gift I never expected.
This bright, effervescent force that came barreling into my life at the most inopportune time.
Nothing about us makes sense. And yet—we’ve made this work.
Watching her wistfully as she sleeps, I brush a strand of blond hair from her face. I caress another tendril resting on her bare back.
I look out at the perfect view as the sun starts to rise and shine its reflection on the Manhattan skyline.
My attention drifts back to her gorgeous sleeping form. Is this what it would be like? If this was an option, is this how it would feel?
For one single minute, I let myself envision that this could be my life.
We’d live in a big city: New York or Los Angeles, Chicago or San Francisco. I’d wake up early, like I always do, and get in a workout in our home gym. I’d shower, then prep the coffee. She’d never need to set an alarm clock—I’d wake her up eating her pussy each and every morning, then I’d bring her breakfast in bed.
We’d get ready together, dancing around each other in our penthouse suite or restored loft with an epic view. I’d head into the office; she’d go down to the courthouse. She’d look so fucking hot dressed up for court. She’d smoke all their asses, I’m sure, then we’d meet up in the city for lunch. And maybe a quickie.
Our nights would be spent at fundraisers and sitting on the same side of a booth in dimly lit restaurants. Our weekends would be filled with lazy mornings, runs across the Brooklyn Bridge, and trips to Trader Joe’s. Maybe we’d get a dog. I’ve always wanted a dog.
We’d build a life together. No matter how busy we got, we’d make time for each other. No matter where life took us, we’d be each other’s priority. I would never have to worry about her reciprocating my love. If the last several weeks have taught me anything, it’s that I can trust her completely. In the privacy of our apartment, in the sanctuary of our bedroom—we’d always come back to the home we made in each other.
I sigh as the dream thins in my mind and all the reasons my life can’t be that way bubble up and stain my fantasy.
She rolls over and cuddles closer. “What are you thinking about over there?” she asks through a yawn.
I smile warmly, even though her eyes are still closed. Leaning in, I place the softest kiss on her lips. “I just had a really good dream. The best dream, actually.”
She nestles into my chest, and my heart pitter-patters in response. “You deserve to have good dreams, Dem.”
I wrap her in my arms and sigh again before we both drift back to sleep.
Chapter 38
Maddie
“Pickoutwhateveryouwant,” he declares as we push through the rotating doors. I beam back at him over my shoulder, striding into Tiffany & Co. like I own the damn place.
The space is smaller than I expected, but it’s still sparkly and amazing—and there are multiple floors. I inhale deeply, my eyes flitting from display case to display case as I soak it all in.
I’m in Tiffany.
I’m in Tiffany on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
I’m in Tiffany on Fifth Avenue with my boyfriend, and he wants me to pick out whatever I want.
I would pinch myself if I was sure he wouldn’t notice.
“Anything?” I challenge as I turn to face him and walk backward into the store. He’s giving methatlook, but I know he secretly loves it when I test him.
“Anything, princess. Although keep in mind that it’ll be hard to pack fine china for the flight home if you pick tableware or dinnerware.”
I stick out my tongue and turn on my heel before skipping toward the first display.
Running my fingers along the seam of the case, I peer through the crystal-clear glass with wide eyes. Everything is so gorgeous—I can hardly decide where to look first.
