This is my world, right here.
As we walked to the car, I felt something inside of me relax, and the mindless chatter flowed between us as we drove home.
“How was the flight?” my father asked, his eyes twinkling as they met mine in the rear-view.
Cal shuddered beside me as I stifled a giggle, which suddenly escaped.
“Contrary to anything Cal tells you, it was perfectly fine.”
“We nearly died,” he pointed out, and laughter filled the car.
“Oh, Cal. You just aren’t a flyer, that’s okay I’m not good on boats, so I empathize,” my mother’s eyes fell on him as she smiled kindly.
My father snorted then, earning him a sharp look from my mother.
“Not good is probably an understatement. The last time you went on a boat, you passed out. Took a good while for you to get your color back, that’s for sure.”
She rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. He glanced at her, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he smiled. Her hand covered his, and he pulled it to his lips, kissing it softly before placing his hand back on the wheel.
They were still so very much in love, even after many years together.
I sighed contentedly as I gazed out of the window, the familiar sights warming my soul.
I love Winterburg.
“I love your smile,” the voice broke into my thoughts as he kissed my shoulder softly, his green eyes meeting mine as I turned to him. I noticed sadness pass over his face briefly, but before I could study it further it was gone, replaced by the lazy smile I adored.
“I love you,” I whispered, closing my eyes as I leaned against him, tiredness sweeping over me as I yawned.
“Home, sweet home,” my mother sang as we pulled into the drive of my childhood home.
The house was simple, but it would always be my favorite.
I knew every nook and cranny here, and every corner held a distinct memory. As the door swung open, I suddenly remembered opening the door to Cal years ago, standing before him in just a towel as he had said—
“Do you always open the door dressed like that?” he whispered in my ear as he passed me, pulling our suitcases into the hall.
I gaped at him as he laughed, running a hand through his hair.
How did he know I was thinking aboutthatmemory?
His eyes danced with amusement as he walked over to me, his mouth suddenly close to my ear.
“I know you, well enough to know when you are fantasizing about me,” he grinned smugly, as I arched an eyebrow playfully.
“I wasn’t fantasizing about you; I was just remembering something.”
His eyes trailed down my body as he bit his lip. “Mm. Me too.”
“Is that all I am to you, a sex toy?” I smirked as he frowned, his hands gripping my hips as he pulled me towards him.
“Is that a serious question, Raven?” his voice was low and dangerous, and I chewed on my bottom lip. “I can go without sex, if only to prove a point to you. You’d be begging me for it before long.”
There was no way in the world I could sleep beside this man and not have him in the most intimate way a woman could have a man.
I kissed his lips as he looked at me with a smug expression on his handsome face.
“Just as I thought. Right, let’s get these up to your old room,” he effortlessly picked up the cases as my mother watched with approval, her eyes misting over.
