These thoughts push me back from him enough to rest my forehead against his, allowing us both to catch our breath. “I thought you wanted to talk.”
“We will. I’m just warming you up first.” Payton presses light kisses down my neck to my collarbone while his hands press against the bare skin of my lower back, sending delicious shivers through me.
My eyes flutter shut, lost in the touch of his lips and the feel of his hands on my skin. Something tugs at the bun in my hair, loosening and setting it free.
Then everything stops.
I open my eyes and find him staring at me. Desire and wonder fill the blue depths of his eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” He pushes my hair back with both hands, then tenderly cups my face.
“Then why are you staring at me like that?” I search his face for some sign of threat or danger. Is he having doubts?
He continues to devour me with his gaze. “Because you are the loveliest creature I’ve ever seen.”
I smile, then nuzzle my nose against his. “You’re not so badyourself, big guy.”
His laugh tickles against my mouth. “I still need a nickname for you.”
“You’ll think of something.” I nip at his lips, coaxing him to kiss me again.
His hands move to my forearms, pushing me back gently. “I meant what I said, Lily. If being with you means returning to England, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”
First one side, then the other, I run my fingers over the groove-like dimples bracketing his mouth. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of doing that. “I could never ask you to leave your life here.”
“You’re not. I’m offering.”
Observation #10: Payton really loves me!
I rest my hand against his chest, over his heart, feeling the rapid rhythm that matches mine. Everything I’ve done has been an attempt to find a place where I belong. A home that’s mine and my choosing. But what if home isn’t a place but a person?
And then it hits me. Payton is the home I’ve longed for.
My eyes burn with the tears of that realization. Like so many times before, I recognize this moment for what it is—a time to pivot from where I was to where I want to be. And it’s my choice.
“What if I said I’d rather be here? With you?” I almost can’t believe I said it out loud. The idea still scares me to some degree, but when I’m in his arms like this, nothing feels threatening. Quite the opposite, actually. I’ve only ever relied on myself for that sense of safety, but Payton does it for me in spades.
He breaks into a smile. “Really?”
I nod. “Really.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” I laugh, feeling lighter than I think I ever have in my life.
“Darling, you just made me the happiest man on the planet.”
His endearment settles into me, making me feel special, cherished, and chosen. “Darling…I like that.”
“Then we’ll give it a go.” He drags his lips over mine in a lazy kiss.
I know he means the nickname, but it feels like more. Like a declaration that our relationship is now official—real and out in the open for everyone to see. No more pretending or games. Although, I enjoyed our little competition very much. And it brought us together.
After one more mind-blowing kiss, I slide off his lap and stand up. “It’s late. We should probably go to bed.”
He’s still holding my hand as if he can’t bear to let me go. Disappointment drapes his face, though he makes an effort to hide it. “Right. I’ll walk you to your door.”
I stop in the middle of the living room, halfway between our rooms. “Payton?”
