Page 105 of Without Apology
“To which I told him I was unable to as I had plans. However, I would be happy to fly out next Monday. I was supposed to be on a plane back to Dallas right about now for my own declaration.”
“Which was?”
He took a deep breath, looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. “I know I hurt you, not only by leaving your sister’s house on Friday, but also and especially by delaying our holiday. I should’ve been adamant from the beginning about setting boundaries with Phillip. It was naïve to assume I could balance both work and a new relationship without having a come to Jesus with my boss first. I’m sorry.”
Tears filled my eyes. “You apologized.”
He kissed me softly. “Long overdue. My father was never worthy of an apology, but you certainly are. It was high time I got past it.”
“My declaration isn’t as good.”
“I think you getting on a plane was declaration enough. Seems we both conquered our demons. Do you remember anything from last night?”
“Glimmers.” A memory slammed into me. “Was there a luggage cart involved?”
He started laughing. “Afraid so. It’s how Emma got you up here.”
I covered my face with my hands. Surprisingly, I didn’t have quite the hangover I probably deserved. “God, I owe her big time. And I really need that do-over.”
“You and me both, but then we wouldn’t be here. And I happen to like you here with my shirt on you.”
I offered a tentative smile as he tucked my hair behind my ear in a sweet gesture.
“If I were to have a do over and arrived vertical instead of on a cart I’d say: I now understand why you left on Friday. I also realized London was sprung on you about the same time it was on me, and I should’ve given more leeway for you to deal with it. This concept of a relationship is new for you, especially having dedicated your entire life to your job. It’s not easy to slow down. I should’ve appreciated it would take more time to sort out.”
“I should’ve appreciated it, too. As it is, I’m planning to make my home base Dallas for the next few months. Phillip and I agreed I’d train someone else to do on-site for part of the time, which means I’ll still be traveling some. Matter of fact, I’m hoping to start a couple of real estate investments, and Texas is a good place to begin.”
“Are you serious?” That he was willing to move to Dallas in order to give us a shot meant a lot.
“Yes. Suddenly I have an affinity for work/life balance.”
“I love you. That was the other part of my declaration, FYI. Which now sounds rather lame when I say it like that. FYI. Who in the world says I love you with an FYI? See, last night would’ve been so much better.”
He smirked. “You did say it last night.”
“While on the luggage cart?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Shortly after, when you were telling me how you needed to find Simon. And by the way, I love you, too.”
Now I was smiling. “Nothing like an FYI and by the way declaration of love.”
His face suddenly got serious while his hands framed my face. “How’s this, then? I’ve never met someone in my entire life who can make me laugh the way you do. You put joy into a life where I hadn’t even appreciated it was missing. Once I realized that, everything else mattered less. My job. The travel. New York. None of it held the same appeal. I realize this is fast, but like you said on our very first date, it’s not about the time frame, it’s about what you feel. I think part of me knew the moment Laverne informed me that you were quite single that my life would be forever changed.”
His words were so touching that I had to work to keep the tears from welling up. He kissed me then. It was gentle before he stopped.
“How is your stomach?”
“Mm. I’m feeling better by the moment. But one final compatibility test is required.”
“What’s that?”
“I have a fantasy. Paper scattering, no-holds-barred sex on your desk.”
He chuckled. “One big problem. I don’t keep papers on my desk; they’re all filed away.”
Of course they were. “Spoilsport.”
“Although I have seen your desk. Now, that would be a mess.”
“I’ll have a bigger office soon.”
“It’s a date.”