Page 60 of Sweetest Hate
It's a struggle to force words through the ache in my throat as I glance over my shoulder at Arsen. "You made me a painting studio?"
He's standing with his hands stuffed into his pockets, looking a little unsure. "This is why I bought the place. You wanted a house on the lake so you could paint every day. This place seemed to make perfect sense for us."
The casual tone, as if it isn't a big deal, makes me shake my head. It's a huge deal. "This is better than perfect," I whisper. "It's everything."
"So, we're taking it?" He grins, and I snort though it sounds choked.
I move next to him and soak up the heat of his body as he wraps his arms around me. I glance up. "Are we moving in today?"
He shrugs. "Your call. We could rent another place while I fix it up, but it may take longer because of the added expense."
"No, I was asking if wecouldmove in today." I wasn't sure I'd ever want to leave.
His grin slays me, and I damn near melt on the spot. "We can do whatever you want."
Reaching up, he hooks a finger under my chin, tipping my face for better access as he brings his lips down on mine. The kiss is slow and I pour every ounce of my gratitude for this man into every breath, not only for what he's done for me today. But for coming into my life and filling it with love stronger than I'd known existed.
After long seconds of catching our breath, Arsen presses one more lingering kiss on my lips. "So, you're happy?"
"Stupid happy." When he grins, my heart thumps an extra beat. "I love you."
"I love you, too, little mouse." Placing his hands on my shoulders, he turns me to look out the window, wrapping his arms around my chest as he holds me against him. "This view what you wanted?"
Humming in contentment, I drown in the comfort of his hold. "So much better."
As his arms tighten, I scan the landscape thinking about how much has changed over the last two years.
Arsen always had reservations about his father's marriage to Ivy, but they are still happily married. His father has been making a huge effort with Arsen, and had apologized for not being the father Arsen had needed. They are still actively building their relationship, and I can see the changes in Arsen's behavior with his dad. Forgiveness and effort have replaced much of his animosity toward Bill. However, I think they still have a huge divide that both are trying to bridge. For everyone involved, I hope one day that will happen, but mainly for Arsen. He is the best man I've ever met, and anyone who can't see that isn't paying attention and doesn't deserve him in their life.
And then there's my parents who quickly took to Arsen once we'd announced our relationship, and I'd never been prouder to call them my parents in my life. Arsen has soaked up their love and attention. Sometimes I wonder if they actually prefer him to me by the way my mother dotes on him every time we visit. We have that in common though. I choose Arsen every day just as he chooses me.
Quinn and I have also tried to fix our friendship, and though I speak to him regularly, it isn't the same. It never will be. He'd only fed Arsen's insecurities about his self-worth, and I just can't get past it. He'd hurt Arsen, purposefully, and above all else, I want Arsen to know he comes first. Always will.
Piper and Blake happily married six months ago, with Arsen as the best man. And fuck me. That man in a suit is hot as sin.
And Arsen and I? We're building a life together, and with each passing day, it only gets better.
Arsen loosens his hold on me and then steps back, pulling me from my musings. When I turn to face him, he reaches out, hand ready to take mine. "Ready for the next chapter?"
I bite my lip and weave our fingers together. "Ready when you are."
THE END
