“It sounds absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to get back to you.”
“I can’t wait to be gotten back to.” He grinned at me.
I chuckled. “You made everything better. Thank you. I am having breakfast with the owner. I have clients I think will work great to promote Bear Mountain. I’m glad I came to see it. The pictures don’t do it justice.”
“Good. Do you know what time you’re taking off tomorrow?” He looked at me innocently.
“Don’t you? I know you know exactly what time I am leaving. Tyrell said he talked to you this morning when I saw him and Shandra. It’s still around noon. I hope to return to the apartment no later than 5:30 p.m.”
“I won’t lie. I'll be glad when you are home. I will hug you with no plan to let you go, so you know.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Yes, please! I am going to try to get some sleep. I won’t get much if it’s like last night because I am restless. I am already used to having a big snuggle bunny in bed.” I wiggled my butt so my whole body swayed.
“Did you just call this?” He waved his hands up and down his body. “A snuggle bunny.”
“Yes, I did. Deal with it.” He laughed, which warmed me from the inside out. It comforted me like a hug would. “Good night, Aaron. I’m really looking forward to being home.”
“Good night, sweetheart.” I’ll see you soon.
I pulled my phone against my chest and closed my eyes. I thought about the wonderful man who came into my life and turned it upside down in the best conceivable way. I reached over and put my hand on Charlie’s back. I slept but not well. I woke up dozens of times, never really settling, never comfortable. I got up and put my few clothes in my bag. I was glad to be leaving, but not because the resort was a bad place. I just wanted to be with someone else.
It was snowing hard. I could see how it was romantic in the mountains. The roads were well-kept, and this would be a lovely place for a couple to spend nights away. I thought about the few couples I had on my roster that would be good for commercials. I texted Cecelia quickly, asking her to see if they might be interested.
By 11:30 a.m., I was at the airport. Shandra greeted me on the tarmac with a hug. “I hope your work went well.”
“It was good. Just excited to get home.”
“You have that wonderful man just chomping to get you back.” She smiled knowingly.
“What do you know?”
“He was just extra particular with Tyrell. Making sure he took care of his precious cargo. That man has it bad for you.” I felt goosebumps across my skin. I felt loved.
I sat down, and my body reminded me of how he had claimed me the night before I left. I’ve done something right because the universe was handing me a bounty of goodness.
As soon as we were in the air, I got Charlie out and put him on my lap. The snow was still coming down hard over the mountains.I noticed that Shandra wasn’t chatting to Tyrell like on our other flights. The weather probably made him focus more. He told me we had de-iced and there would be no problems getting us home on time.
On the plane heading back to you.
Mr. Timberland: I am looking forward to seeing you. Daisy misses Charlie, too. She is a pathetic mess.
Oh, it’s about Daisy missing, Charlie?
Mr. Timberland: Shush. I’m a big, strong man. I don't long for when my boyfriend is safely in my arms.
Well then. Charlie is looking forward to seeing Daisy, too. I will try to get a little sleep so I don’t crash as soon as I am home.
Mr. Timberland: Honestly, I haven’t slept much either. I’ll happily nap with you as soon as you get here.
Well, kissing. Then, a nap.
Mr. Timberland: Oh yeah, all the kissing.
Taking off, I’ll see you soon. xoxoxo
Mr. Timberland: Can't wait. xoxoxo
I looked at my phone. I realized that I hadn’t charged it last night. It should be fine until I get home. There was still fifteen percenton the battery. I was heading home. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as I soaked in the concept. I started to feel excited. You would think I had been gone a month, the way my heart was beating. I petted Charlie with one hand and closed my eyes, putting my head back. Everything was great until it wasn’t.
