“Are you worried because of your mom?”
“Yeah.” My mom had complications, but it wasn’t like she was infertile. I’m sure it was a one-off, but it doesn’t mean I don’t worry.
“We’ll make sure you’re healthy through each and every one, okay?”
“Okay.” He kisses me once more before slipping his arms around my waist and lifting me up over his shoulder. “Oh my God. Put me down, you big goon. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
“Yeah, not going to happen. I’m strong, and my physical therapist said so.”
“Really? You asked?”
“Damn right, I did. I wanted to make sure I could easily flip you around.”
“You told him that you want to toss me around?” I’m sure I’m beet red from embarrassment. There is no way he actually said that to the therapist.
“Not exactly, but I think he got the hint,” he says with a chuckle.
I slap his arm and duck my head, shaking it in complete mortification. “Oh my goodness. I’m never going to be able to show my face again in the gym.”
“That’s good, because I might have to get a little too crazy if you did. There are way too many men in there.” I look up at him and he actually seems dead serious about that.
“You are nuts,” I exclaimed.
“Damn right. When it comes to you, I’m insanely possessive.” He slides me down his strong, muscular front so I can feel every rippling muscle and his protruding length against his zipper.
“I’m not sure why,” I say, guilt and doubt living in the back of my mind.
He cradles my face with his big, calloused hands and looks deep into my eyes as he says, “Because I’m in love.”
“I love you too, Simon.”
“Good, because I can’t imagine my life without you, Vivian. Even when I couldn’t remember that weekend, I couldn’t picture any reason that was serious enough for you to be that angry with me. I knew that I’d never betray you because you were always meant to be mine. My dearest love, will you marry me?”
“Yes. Yes, Simon. I can’t wait to marry you.” We kiss and then his phone rings, stopping our interlude in the kitchen.
He pulls back, and I finally get to examine my new space. My mouth drops open, and I gasp. It’s perfect. It’s as if he had designed it for me, even though I know he didn’t since these buildings have been here for a long time. Still, it’s wonderful and has a massive double baking oven. I open up all the cabinets, looking around and inspecting everything with greedy, imaginative eyes.
All the while, I don’t even notice that he leaves the room.
Chapter Fourteen
Simon
My phone rings, so I pull away from Vivian. It’s my father, so I assume he’s letting me know about the move. There’s a lot to do in a short time and I’m already dragging my feet because I don’t want to leave Vivian’s side for even a moment. “What’s up, Pops?”
“Steiner’s dead,” he states calmly though I’m sure he’s anything but.
“What?” I ask in an angry hush.
“He died in a helicopter crash in the Rockies.” I see Vivian digging through the cabinets, so I let her do her thing while I take the call, walking away so she doesn’t listen in.
“I can’t fucking believe it. Do you think it was a real accident?” My mind immediately goes to my friend who has ways of dealing with matters especially now that he has millions invested.
“I don’t know.”
“I need to call Miles.”
“Go ahead. Don’t forget you need to get to Law’s place.”
