Page 27 of Love Delayed

I looked around at the furnished space with its breathtaking view and smiled. I needed this.

“Deal and I think your parents had great taste. I’d like to add my own touches if that’s alright with you.”

“Babe, you can do whatever you like to the place,” he replied, and I leaped into his arms.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I said, sniffling.

I didn’t want to cry again, but I was so grateful and happy that I didn’t have to stress about getting out of that house. He held me for a few moments until I relaxed in his arms.

“It’s going to be okay, you know,” he said and softly kissed the top of my head.

“I know,” I agreed while stepping back from his embrace. “I just have to push forward because life be lif’in,” I said, swiping at my tears.

He went over to the counter, grabbed a napkin, and handed it to me.

“Thanks,” I said, wiping my face.

“Would you like a quick tour?” he offered.

“Nah, not tonight. I’m exhausted. Besides, I’ve been here hundreds of times, so I pretty much know the layout.”

“Well, when my parents moved out, I lived here for a spell. So, the master is different, and my old room is a guest room now.”

“I’m okay with the guest room,” I told him.

“No, the master is nicer,” he suggested.

I nodded. “Yeah, but that bed needs to go just like this furniture. I don’t want to sleep in your love nest,” I joked.

“Nooooooo. There were no ladies in that bed.”

“Liar,” I teased.

“I’m serious. Do you think I wanted women to know I lived here? During that time when I was smashing, it was never here,” he defended with that sincere look I remembered.

Marcus was never the type to lie to me, even about small things.

“Okay, I believe you, man,” I said, and we both laughed.

Before leaving the suite, he promised to have the balcony cleaned for me in a couple of days since the housekeeping staff didn’t have time to do it before I arrived. The cleanliness of the balcony was the least of my worries. I had a place to lay my head and that was all that mattered.

Once we hit the bottom floor, he put the key card in my hand and walked me out. When the valet pulled up with my car, he gave me a long, tight hug.

“Thank you for everything, Marc. I’ve been through a lot and need this fresh start.”

“You’re welcome, Zee. By the time you get back, the old furnishings will be out of the way so you can have your way with the place.”

“I appreciate it. No disrespect to your taste in furniture, but I want a more modern vibe.”

“Hey, I get it. I’m not offended,” he responded with a smile.

“Good. Oh, and can you send me a screenshot of your current menu? I want to play around with some ideas.”

“Absolutely. I’m excited. I am sure you will come up with something amazing.”

“I know a lot of your old favorites, so I promise I won’t disappoint you,” I said while walking around the front of my car to get into the driver’s seat.

“Drive safely, and text to let me know when you get home,” he said.