Page 48 of Tristano

Me: White sheets with a dark green comforter. Matching pillows will be there tomorrow.

Slipping my phone into my pocket, I grab the waters and walk to the couch.

“What are you smiling about?” Serena asks as I approach.

“Declan texted.”

She nods knowingly. “Let me guess, he saw the bedding.”

“Yep,” I tell her as I sit down, handing her a bottle of water.

I had Serena help pick out the set while we were waiting at the airport. It was nice seeing her smile so easily. I was worried she would internalize everything like she did the first time. Seems she’s bouncing back a bit easier this time.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Since I’ve been gone, I don’t have any food here. My cleaning lady will be coming by tomorrow with groceries, so we’re stuck ordering takeout tonight if that’s okay,” I inform her.

“That’s fine.”

“Do you have any preferences?”

Serena taps her finger against her lip.

I can’t help but watch as she contemplates what she wants. Something about it is so innocently attractive. I’ve had the urge to kiss her many times now, but I’ve withheld. I can’t move on her when she’s gone through something so traumatic. She needs time to heal.

Hell if I don’t want to though. I have the literal girl who stars in all of my dreams in my home right now. What more could I want?

“Do you have a place where we could get some good ramen? I know it sounds silly, but I’m craving it.”

“I know just the place.” I kiss her head, pulling her into my side.

Grabbing my phone, I type in the name of the place and hand it to her.

“Check out the menu.”

As she scrolls, I turn on the TV, keeping the volume low.

“I put what I want in your cart.” She hands the phone back.

I hand her the remote. “Here, find something you want to watch.”

I take my phone as I hand her the remote.

Quickly, I place the order and set the phone down on the cushion next to me.

“It will be here in about thirty minutes.”

“That fast?”

“That’s the power of the city, baby.” I smirk as she rolls her eyes.

My phone buzzes again, and I grab it.

Declan: Matching pillows? Why in the hell do I need those?

Me: So you can get laid… Just say thank you.

Declan: Thanks.

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