MEGAN
MY HEART stopped, then jackhammered. It instantly followed with a fluttery feeling scattered in my stomach. This was impossible. I must be dreaming.
“Miss me?” A soft deep voice and warm breathing confirmed my doubt. Then he pressed his lips against mine.
I slowly opened my eyes, and I met the most mesmerizing eyes, smiling down at me.
“Hi.” My voice came out a breathless whisper.
“Hey, my love,” he whispered. “I missed you.” He pressed his lips longer. When we parted, he drew me into a hug, and I was still shocked to respond. I tried to process everything when he sat beside me, pulling me into his arms. “Say something.”
I turned my head to look at him. “Say something? Really? Can’t you even at least call me or leave a text before you fly over hundreds of miles over here? I was worried sick, Forrest! If you happen not to be here, or I won’t hear anything from you in twelve hours, I will be calling or head of security and the police that you are missing. And I thought—”
“I’m sorry.” He kissed me again to stop me. “I just wanna surprise you, but I think it’s a mistake because you seem not fancied of surprises.” His expression suddenly changed, hurt glinting in his eyes.
I realized my friends were still around, narrowing their eyes at me as if I just committed one of the seven deadliest sins.
I sighed. “I’m sorry, I overreacted. I guess this is how I feel and deal with missing you. And I am worried because it’s not like you who will ignore my message.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and dragged myself to sit on his lap. I closed my eyes to appreciate this moment. “It doesn’t matter. You’re here now.”
I missed him terribly, and being in his arms again felt perfect. I didn’t think I could take any moment without him by my side. I needed him. I wanted him. And since he was mine, there was no way I would ever let him go back alone.
“It won’t happen again.” He kissed me again. This time, it was slow with pure passion, taking his time to show me how he missed me.
“No. It’s okay. I love surprises, especially coming from you.”
“I know how it’s nostalgic to see your best friends with their husbands. I thought coming here unannounced was the best idea.”
“Yeah, it is. I have to tell you something.”
His brows met together. “What is it, Megan?”
“I sent resumes. Then when I Googled, I figured that I don’t need a visa to be with you for six months. So maybe, you can help me with something though.”
“Anything, my love.” He was now smiling.
“Like searching for an apartment close to my future job. And I also think that it’s time for me to swallow my pride. So I’m willing to work with you if, in return, I get to be with you every damn day.”
Forrest’s eyes glittered with amazement. “You think, huh? Why overthink it? You could have just told me about your plan. You’re hired then. And just for the record, I’m willing to do the same for us.”
“I think I was supposed to surprise you, too.” I grinned sheepishly.
“Very well then. I have to send a few emails to change my plans.”
***
“Your man cave. Why are we here?” I was surprised when he opened another door. The cold rush of air blew my face. Then I realized we were at the roof terrace. It had a small dining and lounge area with an outdoor fireplace and covered TV.
“Remember when you ran away?” Forrest pulled me closer, kissing the top of my head. “I was worried, and I couldn’t think straight. I thought Papa’s men took you to teach me lessons.”
I cupped his face and looked at the most handsome mouth-watering man I’d ever met. My heart fluttered. I glimpsed in his eyes the pure love, honestly, and vulnerability. And he made me fall in love with him all over again.
“I’m sorry about that. I was just terrified.”
“It’s all right. I thought I wanted to take you out on a date or have dinner with you here when I came back from Boston, but things didn’t go as I planned. So, let me make it up to you tonight.”
“This is a lovely place, Forrest.” I looked around one more time. “Where did get those vintage oil lamps? I did not notice them earlier.” I stared at them everywhere in awe.
“Because the lights were on when we arrived. Now that they’re off, those lamps give the glow to the entire place.”
“Wow. It’s amazing.” There was a bottle of wine in the bucket, glasses, a tray of strawberries with bowls of dark and white chocolates, and a large bucket of popcorn on the table. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? Popcorn?”
He shrugged. “Because we’re gonna watch your favorite movie.”
“And what’s my favorite movie?” I arched a brow.
“One of many is Pretty Woman.” He held my hand and guided me to the lounge, facing the huge TV screen. Once I settled, he served us wine and sat beside me with a bucket of popcorn. “Save the best for last.”
“Which is?”
“Us.” We tossed and took a sip of our wine. “Making out, then later make love.”
“Oh. That’s a good plan.” The movie started rolling. He moved closer to me and covered us with a blanket. I leaned my head on his shoulder and his chin above my head. Forrest was in his perfect-boyfriend mode—he never missed making me feel special every damn day.
Barely months ago, I thought the kind of man like Forrest never existed anymore, I was wrong. I may be bold, but I was glad I made a move because I felt that we had something to share—our passion, interests, trust, love, and respect.
“I’m so lucky to have you, Megan.”
I lifted my head and kissed him on the lips. “The feeling is mutual. I think you just found your pretty woman, Forrest.”
He smiled down at me and kissed me softly on my lips down to my jaw, to my neck. It was barely a brush, almost chaste, but my toes curled. I closed my eyes and bit my bottom lip to hold the moan, but I shivered anyway. I purred when he licked the soft skin on my neck.
I could feel the corner of his lips twitching as he was aware of the effect he had on me.
“You’re gorgeous when you did that. And I’d love to watch more romantic movies with you every night before we sleep, but I’d love to peel you out of this dress, and be my dessert right now.”
Unable to keep my greedy hand to myself, I slid between his thighs and found him hard and eager. “Screw the Pretty Woman. Kiss me.”