The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(176)

“Don't be,” she said, “we both agreed it was no strings attached. I get it you needed to connect with someone to feel normal again and while I do wish you would have hung around to say goodbye I get why you didn't. Mornings are awkward.”

“I'd love a million mornings with you even if they are awkward,” he chuckled.

“So that's why you came over,” she said stepping closer to him and cupping his package. “I might be up for a second round.”

Longing spiraled through him, but he forced it back down.

“No, I mean, yes, I want a second round, but..” he paused as she squeezed him. “Could you stop that for just a second. It's hard enough to think around you.”

Celeste laughed and took a step back.

“I can't get you out of my head. I think about you all the time and I want to know if there's something here.”

“Something more than awesome sex?”

“Yeah,” Eric nodded.

“I don't know. You ran off before we could find out.”

“I live next door. It's not like I took off across country or something.”

“Eric, I'm almost thirty. I'm too old to go chasing men down even if it's just across two lawns. I like you – a lot. And I'd be lying if I said I was a little disappointed when I woke up alone that morning. But either we do or we don't.”

“I want to.”

“Want to what?” she asked him.

“I want to try this, to try us. I don't want to drag you through my baggage, my problems. You deserve better than that.”

“You can't drag me anywhere, Eric. I'm a grown woman and I know what I'd be getting into. I'm not going to sugar coat it and say I can love any of it away, because I can't. No one can. What I can do is love you through it and that's all any of us can do for anyone.”

“Around you I feel normal,” he said taking her hands. “And happy and alive again. I want that everyday. I want you everyday. This could crash and burn..”

“Or it could be the beginning of something that lasts the rest of our lives.”

Celeste rose to her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his gently. Eric wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her in close.

“You can come in, but only if you're still going to be here in the morning.”

“I promise,” he said scooping her up into his arms.

“I'll tie you to the bed if I have to, Eric. You only get to walk out on me once.”

“Sexy, sweet, and kinky,” he kissed her neck. “You might never get rid of me.”

Conclusion

A year later, Eric and Celeste pulled into a downtown parking lot. It was late evening of Independence Day and they had agreed to join his family and hers for the celebration. Eric wasn't fond of the loud noises and crowds that came with the holiday, but remember how Celeste's eyes had lit up at the fireworks show the year before. He only hoped that this year they would shine even brighter and match the twinkle of the diamond he planned to slip onto her finger if she agreed to be his wife.

As they carried the lawn chairs and coolers to join the rest of the crowd, he thought about how much his life had changed over the last year. Celeste had become the answer to questions he never even knew he had. They had settled into a quiet life at her home where he began a computer programming and networking business from home. The logic of the numbers and letters creating whole new things were soothing, but not at soothing as every moment he spent with Celeste.

He watched her curls bounce in the summer breeze and couldn't help, but to smile. Their lives had slowly entwined until they had become inseparable. Celeste gave him a quick kiss and head off to say hello to her relatives. He set their chairs up close by and began unpacking the cooler.

“Really have you told him yet?” her sister's voice carried to his ears. “I bet he's going to be thrilled to be a daddy. You guys are going to be such great parents and I'm going to be the aunt that spoils all of your kids and gives them enough chocolate to make them bounce off the walls before sending them home.”

Eric laughed and glanced in her direction. She was talking to Celeste. He was going to be the daddy. He had thought about kids before, but could never decide exactly how he felt about bringing life into the world. He knew it could be a cruel place and had seen enough to know that it was a miracle anyone lived to be elderly. Now that he had heard the news (even if it was unintentional on both of their parts), he was elated. He couldn't wipe the goofy grin off his face. He was going to be a daddy. Together he and Celeste had created a new life that would be born as a living testament to their love.

He could hardly keep it a secret that he had overheard when Celeste rejoined him. He kissed her hard and almost gave himself away. Though he doubted he would be able to last all evening. Eric had originally planned to wait until right before the big fireworks show to pop the question, but reassured by what he had overheard he knew he couldn't wait a moment longer.

The crowd began to gather around as soon as he knelt on one knee. He ignored the onlookers, their smiles, and sounds of glee and looked into Celeste's eyes. She was smiling and already beginning to cry and he knew he'd join her soon if he didn't hurry up and ask the question. He pulled the small black ring box out of his pocket and opened it.