: Chapter 51

“Drake,” I murmur as he coaxes the last tremor of my orgasm from me. He’s made me come so many times that I am now made entirely of liquid. My bones are fluid, my muscles weak, and I can barely form a word. In fact, the only word I seem able to remember is his name.

We ate Mario’s exploding donut balls and we talked and cuddled. Then, as promised, he fucked me hard and long and deep. Afterward, he fucked me slow and soft. Then he made me come with his lips and tongue. He has kissed every part of my body, caressed every inch, and told me repeatedly how much he loves me. How he’s never going to let me go again.

I feel safe. Adored. Cherished. Drake’s love language has always been sensual, but now he has added to it with actual language, telling me in words how he feels as well as with his actions.

He crawls up the bed to be next to me, swiping his beard clean with his hand.

“God, I missed having you squirt your cum all over my face,” he says, climbing under the covers and pulling my shaking body into his arms.

“Wow, you’re such a romantic,” I say, nuzzling into his chest. “But also, me too.”

He laughs softly, and the sound vibrates through his chest and into me. How I have missed that sound. It’s been far too long since I’ve heard it. This is the happiest I’ve felt since Mom died, but a wave of sadness washes over me. Our problems haven’t gone anywhere; they’re still lurking just beneath the surface.

The look on his face tells me he’s deep in thought too “What happens now?” I ask, my voice shaky.

He cocks an eyebrow. “This is probably the part where you fall asleep and drool.”

“That’s not what I meant, Drake.”

“I know.” He kisses the top of my head and sighs, and despite his previous declarations of love, I prepare myself for the worst. “I think that as soon as you feel up to it, we should go visit my family because they’ve missed you like crazy too. And then we go into the office and tell the whole damn world that we’re together.”

My heart rate kicks up a notch. “You think we should tell everyone at work too?”

He nods. “I own the fucking firm. If I can’t fall madly, passionately in love with my sexy-as-fuck secretary, who can?”

“But what about Linda?”

He looks down at me, frowning. “Nope, Linda definitely isn’t allowed to fall madly, passionately in love with you.”

I pinch his side and laugh when he tries to squirm away. “Come on, be serious. I am terrified of that woman.”

“Don’t be, baby. I’ll protect you. Although … Yeah, maybe not from Linda. She scares the fuck out of me too.” His dramatic shudder makes me laugh. But then his arms are squeezing me tighter, and he rests his lips on the top of my head. “Don’t be scared of Linda or anyone else, mi rosa. Nobody will ever hurt you again. I promise you that.”

I snuggle closer. There is nowhere in the world I feel safer than I do with Drake.

“Besides, Linda will find out anyway when we change your address on your personnel file.” He throws it out so casually, and I wriggle until I can untangle myself enough to rest my chin on my hands and stare down at his handsome face.

“And why would I be changing my address, Mr. James?”

His eyes narrow. “Because there’s no way in hell you’re going back to that apartment building which clearly still has terrible security.” I open my mouth to protest, but he presses a finger to my lips and carries on talking. “And there isn’t a world where I’m spending a single night away from you ever again, Amelia. Well, barring girly trips with your friends or whatever.” He shrugs.

“Are you suggesting I move in with you?”

“Not suggesting, Miss Ryder.” He shakes his head. “Demanding. I am your employer, after all. If you check the fine print of your contract, I’m sure you’ll see it’s all there.”

“And if it’s not?” I arch an eyebrow.

He hums softly, his eyes twinkling with devious intent. “I’ll tie you up in court for years.” He winks.

Is he serious about moving in together? Of course he is. This man wouldn’t joke about something like that. “But you live in a hotel, Drake. And even if I don’t particularly want to go back to my apartment, I have my mom’s house now. It’s paid off.”

“I know. But I won’t be living in a hotel for much longer. The contracts have finally gone through on my loft in Tribeca. That’s where we’d live, mi rosa. We’d be neighbors with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.”

I nudge him in the ribs and laugh. “Oh, well, that’s sold it. But, seriously, Drake.”

He nods, and I can tell he’s ten steps ahead of me. That he’s already considered every objection I can put forth. “And if you’re not ready to sell your mom’s place, don’t. Take your time, think about this. But when you’re ready, you could rent it out. It could be the start of your own property empire.”

I ponder what he’s saying, and I can see the merit of it. I have no desire to sell my childhood home, but I also don’t want to leave it empty. It’s a nice neighborhood, and it would be good to see a new family enjoy it. I can’t expect Mrs. K to keep an eye on it forever. Amelia Ryder, property developer … Huh. I kinda like the ring of that. Still, I have a niggling sense of doubt. “Maybe this isn’t the right time to make such a big decision. Us moving in together is huge. Maybe it’s a little … too fast?”

He tips my chin up so I’m looking right at him. There’s so much love in those deep brown eyes that I melt.

“Mi rosa, I have been waiting thirty-seven years for you. If anything, it’s too damn slow.”