“Are you certain you won’t stay?” I sighed and took his hand, rested my cheek against his. “Remember what I said about slowing things down?” His nod rubbed his five o’clock shadow against my skin. “I do. I’ll stop pressuring you.” A moronic giggle bubbled up my throat. “Thank you. Besides, I don’t have any clothes, and I don’t want you sending your staff out every day to pick up more.” I tipped my face up to his, a pang of guilt seizing my guts. “I’m sorry about everything with your mother. If I’d known what she was like, I would have run for the hills when you gave me the chance for your sake. For what it’s worth, the way you stood up for me was totally hot.” Laughter boomed in his chest. When it dwindled, he pressed his lips to mine. “Then no matter what comes to pass, it will have been worth it.” We locked gazes for a while. I stepped back with unwilling feet. “Well … I really should go.” “I’ll call you a car.” I held up my hand. “No, I’ll take a cab.
