Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
My mom gets into the car. “You should come over for dinner more often.”
“We’d love that,” Alex says before closing her door.
She gives a little wave as Yuri pulls off. When the car turns the corner, Alex ushers me into the warmth of the house.
Standing face to face with him in the foyer, I say, “Thank you.”
He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. “You’re welcome, my love.”
I inhale his intoxicating scent and lean my cheek against his chest, feeling safe in the strength of his arms.
When he asks in a low, deep tone, “Shall we go upstairs?” there’s only one answer to give.
24
The arrangements for my mom’s admission to the clinic are made quickly thanks to Alex’s contacts. One week later, we drive her to the facility and help her settle into her private room before meeting the staff and being present for her first meeting with the head doctor, during which he explains the treatment course to us.
We spend the night in a nearby hotel and go back the following morning to stock her cupboard with healthy snacks and drinks. It’s hard for me to leave her, but it’s for a good reason. If the treatment is successful, my mom will have a lot more mobility and increased flexibility. She’ll be able to do things she hasn’t been able to in years, such as low-impact sports and even adventures like paragliding and scuba diving. She’ll be able to move without pain and sleep through a whole night without the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
I’m simultaneously sad and filled with happy optimism when we say our goodbyes. Always in tune with my moods, Alex takes my hand in the car and places it in his lap. When he catches Yuri’s eyes in the rearview mirror, Yuri pushes on the button to pull up the partition, giving us privacy.
“She’ll be fine,” Alex says, kissing my hand.
“Yes.” I swallow down my tears. “I know.”
“I think she was making eyes at the male nurse.”
“What?” I stare at him in shock. “No.”
“Uh-huh.” He grins. “So trust me. She will be fine. She may even have some fun.”
“Alex!” I swat his arm.
He utters a soft laugh. “Didn’t you say you wanted to go out with your friend and her boyfriend?”
“Joanne?” I search his face. “Yes, but I thought you’d be tired after the long drive.”
He raises a brow. “Are you mocking my age, Miss Morrell?”
I grin. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I have firsthand experience of your youthful stamina.”
“Good, although I don’t mind giving you a reminder.”
“Yuri is only a seat away.”
His voice turns husky. “It didn’t bother you before.”
“That’s because you make me forget where I am or how to behave decently.”
He does that finger-biting thing that sets my lower body on fire. “I prefer it when you behave indecently.”
In a sudden rush of emotion, I cuddle closer to him. “I never thought it was possible to be this happy.”
He puts an arm around my shoulders and kisses the top of my head. “Are you?”
“Ecstatically happy.”
“Good,” he says again, rubbing my arm. “I aim to please.”
His tone is playful, but I have a sudden urge to be serious. The words bubble up in my chest. Before I can stop them, they find a way to the surface and tumble from my tongue.
“I think I’m in love with you, Alex.”
He stills. For a frightening moment, we’re suspended in time. With my heart beating in my throat, I look up at his face. His expression is unreadable as he meets my eyes. For another terrifying moment, I consider that he may not be happy with this news. Yes, we’ve been moving fast, mostly by his instigation, going from non-dating to living together in a matter of weeks, but love is an entirely different ballgame, and I’m not sure he wants to play that way.
Have I just spoiled everything?
But then his lips tilt into the softest of smiles and the blue of his eyes heats to the shade of a warm summer’s sky. My heart leaps with relief as he lowers his head and claims my lips. This kiss isn’t wild and lustful or quick and urgent. It’s reverent and meticulous. He’s taking his time, making my knees weak and stealing my breath.
I’m panting when he finally pulls away.
“That, Katyusha, makes me very happy.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” he says, pulling me under the crook of his arm.
I sigh and relax against him. I wish he’d said the words back, but I don’t want him to lie if he’s not there yet, or if he’s simply not ready to admit his feelings. Besides, actions speak louder than words, and everything he’s done so far has all but shouted that I mean something to him.
We sit like that for most of the rest of the way, enjoying each other in silence until we’re about a half hour away from home.