It was kind of weird, waking up in a house that wasn't mine. Not to mention I've only known this guy a week. I never would've thought I'd be doing this. If someone had told me I'd be staying at my divorce attorney's house in New York City after only knowing him a week, I would have said they were crazy for a million different reasons, but mostly because that definitely doesn't sound like something I would do. I've never been this person. I waited three years before I slept over at Luke's or let him sleep over at my house. So, yeah, kind of weird, but also kind of nice.
I was pleasantly surprised when I walked out of my room and smelled something being made. It smelled kind of like French toast. I went downstairs, and smiled when I saw Niall, then my gaze swung to Emmy when she called my name and came rushing towards me, Draco close behind. I said hi to them, then walked into the kitchen and next to Niall while Emmy focused on playing with Draco.
"How'd you sleep?" Niall asked, keeping his voice low.
"Good, that bed is really comfortable."
"I'm glad. I haven't slept in there myself, so I would've felt horrible if it sucked."
I laughed. "You have no worries."
"Um, so about today..."
"Let me guess, you have to work?"
"Actually, no." Relief washed over me. "I did extra yesterday so I wouldn't have to go in today."
"Oh, okay."
"I was thinking we could go over to Sarah's parents' and you could meet them. I know that's probably not on your list of things you'd love to do, but I know Emmy wants them to meet you."
"Oh, I don't mind."
"Really?"
"It's totally fine."
He smiled and turned to face me, then gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "I was thinking we could have them watch Emmy for the night and we could spend some time alone."
My stomach twisted. "Yeah?"
"That is, if you're okay with it."
"That's sounds perfect."
"It's a date."
I'm sure my face was beat red, but I didn't care. He's actually asked me on a date, which means he's definitely interested in me. I feel so relieved.
The second we were done with breakfast I went upstairs to get ready and ended up FaceTiming Tatum and Quinn to get their opinions on what I should do with my hair and what I should wear. I couldn't imagine that we'd be stopping by here for an outfit change, so I had to be smart. It had to be something that was appropriate for meeting Emmy's grandparents, but also cute enough and maybe even slightly sexy for a date with Niall.
We ended up settling on an oversized sweater and tights with a jacket and Docs, I curled my hair and put half of it up. I was so excited. It was hard to stop smiling, and I was relieved to see Niall looking equally happy.
I had to admit, I was steadily growing more nervous the closer we got to the house, but it didn't turn out so bad. Mary and Al were so nice and so welcoming. I didn't really expect it, because I mean, I am hanging out with their daughter's daughter and ex-boyfriend, and I could tell they could see exactly what was going on between me and Niall. They seemed happy for him, for both of us actually. They asked me a million questions about White Lake and my bakery, and my friends. They briefly asked about my divorce, but only to make sure I was doing okay. They really are the sweetest people in the whole world.
We were there for a few hours, then we had to say goodbye to them and Emmy, so we could start our date. We drove back into the heart of Manhattan and he took me to an amazing restaurant. We couldn't stop talking. We talked about our childhoods and fun memories, and not so fun memories. We walked for a bit and found somewhere to get dessert, which started a small disagreement about which ice cream flavor was the best even though we were sharing a box of chocolates. By the end of the night, we were walking with his arm around mine and his hand laced with my hand so that I was completely tucked against his side.
It was crazy. I was not excited to get back to his house, because I didn't really want the date to end. We kind of hovered in the doorway for a bit before we moved further into the formal living room. I honestly didn't think we had this much to talk about, but here we are. Another hour later and we were drinking wine while we talked. By the time that was gone, I was sitting right next to him and one hand was playing with his while the other was propping my head up on the back of the couch. The hand that was tangled with mine was resting easily on my leg, and our eyes were locked on each other. My skin flushed when his eyes dipped lower for a second before focusing back on mine.
"Tonight's been fun," he said.
"It's been amazing."
He grinned, and I bit my lip at how stupidly charming it was. "I'm glad you feel that way."
My eyes dropped to our hands. "You know, you've spent a lot of time thanking me for taking care of Emmy and bringing her out of her shell, but I don't think I've thanked you for showing up when you did and showing me how great life could be and what I've been missing."
"You don't need to thank me for that."
"No, I do. I've been existing for the last five years, and then you showed up and I'm finally living. I'm thriving, actually."
"That can't be just because of me."
"Well, you and Emmy. Mostly Emmy," I teased.
His smile never faltered and he raised his hand against my cheek, his thumb brushed against my bottom lip. "You haven't just made Emmy's life better, you've made mine better too."
I would've smiled and thanked him, but I couldn't move. I was too stunned to say anything, and then froze when he started to lean in. The second his lips touched mine my entire body felt like it was on fire. Our lips moved slowly, but it was so sure. He was so sure. He leaned in more, forcing my back onto the couch, my legs wrapped around his waist and my arms draped over his shoulders. I let out a soft moan when one of his hands slid up my leg.
My heart was racing and even more so when his hips ground into mine. He was the first to pull away, but only for a second as his eyes trailed over my features and he gently brushed my hair back.
"Upstairs?" he whispered.
I nodded, maybe a bit too eagerly and he got up, pulling me with him. He led me up the stairs and into his bedroom. As soon as the door was shut, he closed the distance and put his lips on mine. It was way more rushed than it was, but that was only getting me more excited. He backed me up towards the bed, but picked me up before I fell back and placed me higher on the bed. I felt his hands slide up my legs again, this time hooking around my tights and pulling them down. I pushed up his shirt, wanting him to take it off and he did. My hands ran down his smooth, toned chest before moving back up to his hair and pulling him back down to kiss me.
We were a mess of clothes being pulled and sheets curling around us, our hands were exploring everywhere. Our quiet pants and moans rang in my ears as he brought me closer and closer to the edge. His lips found mine again as that familiar wave came over me, my legs tightening around him, my hands gripping his hair. His hands dug into my waist and I savored every single second.
He slowly pulled away from me and moved to the side. I kept one leg draped over him as he softly traced my features and played with the ends of my hair. I kept my eyes on his, relishing in the vibrant blue of them, his thick black lashes only enhancing the bright color. I was suddenly realizing just how expressive they were and I loved it. Right now, he looked so relaxed and happy, and I'm sure I looked the same way.
"That was..."
"Perfect," he finished.
I grinned. "Yeah."
"I feel like I should tell you I didn't plan this. Kissing you yes, I was all for that, but not this."
"I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it happened."
"Are you looking forward to it happening again?"
I laughed and nodded. "Many times, yes."
He smiled back. "Good."
I hesitated for second before asking, "Should we talk about us, then?"
"Only if you're thinking we should be together, officially."
"I'm absolutely thinking that... so how's this going to work? I mean, you're living here and I'm living three hours away."
"Weekends will definitely be our friend for a while, but I was thinking that eventually, Emmy and I could move to White Lake."
I arched a brow. "You would do that?"
"Well, thinking realistically, I can be a lawyer anywhere, but your bakery is there. Plus, Emmy really likes it there and she's already familiar with your friends and Quinn's kids."
"Are you sure, because it's a small town and you've lived in a huge city all your life. It'd be a massive change."
He moved closer and gently kissed me, his thumb brushed over my lip when he pulled away. "I've been thinking about this since the moment I met you, and Emmy's grandparents have been thinking about moving to a small town a lot longer than that."
I smiled. "So that's what all of those questions were about."
He laughed and nodded. "After Emmy raved about how awesome it is, they started thinking that maybe that was the place for them. It's getting to be too much for them here in the city. They want something quieter, slower."
"That's definitely White Lake. I just... I'd feel awful making everyone uproot their lives. Tatum could handle the bakery, and I could open a second location here. There's other options."
"You aren't making anybody do anything. I'm pretty sure Mary and Al are going to move there this summer regardless of what happens with us."
"It's beautiful in the summer... everything's green and bright, flowers are everywhere."
"Emmy loves flowers."
"And you?"
"I'd love to be anywhere you are."
I grinned and shook my head. "That was such a good answer," I told him before I leaned in and kissed him. I quickly pulled back though, when another thought came to me. "Will we all fit in my place? Comfortably, I mean. And everything's the way I want it, should we change things so that it feels like ours?"
"We could do that... or maybe we could get a new house."
"Or Wes could build us one." I gasped. "There's so much land out by Quinn, they could be our neighbors!"
He laughed. "All good options."
I bit my lip, once again losing myself in him. "Is this crazy? Today was our first date and we're already talking about moving and living together. I mean, my divorce isn't even final yet–"
"But it will be. Beck, I knew the moment we met, that there was something different about you. The reason we're talking about this is because I see a future with you, and I think you see one with me."
"I do, and more than that, I want one with you. With you and Emmy."
"Then tonight was definitely a great start."
I laughed and laughed even harder when he rolled on top of me and started kissing me all over. I'd say this was an excellent start.