Chapter 77: Chapter Seventy-Seven

Aubrey

I pull up outside of Everett’s place, where I have been staying for the last couple of nights. He’ll be home late tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing him; he knows I am here. To get ready, I want to make sure the place is clean and the fridge is stocked for his return. I’m happy I won’t have to sleep alone tomorrow. Hugo and I talked, and things are okay, but I came here because I’m still a bit mad at him and didn’t want to overstay my welcome. I need to find an apartment soon. Everywhere I’ve seen hasn’t felt right, or Hugo thought it wasn’t secure enough. We have more viewings next week. That’s stressing me out, but right now, that doesn’t matter. The important thing is that Everett will be home. We can reconnect. He’d better not leave for so long again, or I’ll insist on going with him. I don’t mean to be needy—but I can’t help it with him.

I stroll inside. The second I do, I slip off my shoes—my feet are killing me. I need to buy new shoes. I head straight for a shower so I can change into more comfortable clothing. It has been a busy day, and I am exhausted. I can’t wait to relax. I’ll use the bathroom attached to Everett’s bedroom; it is bigger and more powerful. Plus, my clothes are there anyway, so it makes life a little easier. I grab some clean towels from the hall closet and enter the bedroom.

“Did you miss me, baby girl?”

I jump and squeal at the sound of a voice, but after the initial shock, I relax when I see Everett lying on the bed in only joggers and a smirk on his lips.

“Oh my God, what are you doing here? I thought you weren’t back until tomorrow night!” I exclaim, leaping onto the bed and into his arms to kiss him.

It only lasts a moment before we part. “I couldn’t stand another day away from you. I got an early flight.”

"I missed you more than I can stand. Don’t ever disappear that long again," I whimper, the ache in my voice betraying how empty I’ve felt.

“I missed you, too. I promise, I will never do that again,” he replies and hugs me to his chest.

Tears prick my eyes, and a fierce wave of happiness crashes over me the moment he wraps me in his arms. I bury my face in his neck, desperate for every inch of closeness, inhaling his scent. His grip tightens, possessive and gentle.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I whisper, lifting my head to look at him.

Everett’s fingers graze my cheek. I melt into the tenderness, closing my eyes and letting the sensation wash over me. His touch is gentle, grounding, everything I’ve missed.

“Aubrey?” The way he says my name makes him sound nervous.

I open my eyes to meet his. “Yes?”

He draws a breath, preparing to say something important. His nerves make me nervous.

“I-I-I love you…”

It’s the first time Everett has said it since the night he was drunk and blurted it out. I hadn’t brought it up before because I didn’t want to pressure him. The words make my heart pound in my chest, and my stomach flutters. Now, I see him watching me closely, waiting for my response. He shifts, fidgeting beneath me, clearly nervous.

I smile brightly at him. “I love you too, Everett.”

He relaxes, and the biggest smile grows on his lips. Was he scared I wouldn’t say it back? “I was so anxious about saying it for the first time.”

“Um, about that. It isn’t the first time you have said it,” I laugh.

His brows furrow in confusion. “Huh?”

“When you were wasted last week in London, you told me when you were drunk. I didn’t bring it up because you didn’t remember, and I didn’t want to put any pressure on you.”

He hides his face, embarrassed. “I am so sorry. I don’t remember that. It wasn't the way I wanted to tell you for the first time.”

I remove his hands and kiss him softly. “It is okay.”

I never thought I would allow myself to fall in love again, but here I am and with the person I least expected.

“I really do love you. I am happy we don’t need to hide it any longer,” he smiles.

“Me too.” I gush and kiss him again. I can’t help myself. It has been too long since I kissed him.

He groans against my lips, kissing me back. His mouth is electric. I moan, pressing close, hungry for more. Everett welcomes it. Our bodies ache for each other. It’s been too long. Phone sex can’t compare; it lacks real connection.

Everett flips me over, pressing me to the mattress, not breaking the kiss. It grows heated, passionate—everything poured into it. I wrap my legs around him, keeping him as close as possible. I don’t want to let go.

Everett traces his lips down my jaw and neck. A moan escapes me; my skin burns under his mouth. I can’t wait. I rake my nails down his back, making his muscles tense and groan. His excitement grows between my thighs.

Everett’s lips land on my ear. “I need you, right now. Every inch of you,” he rasps.

Everett slips his hand between us, rubbing me through my trousers. I gasp, arching from the bed, arousal surging. He has a way of making me weak, even with the simplest of touches.

“Then take me, Everett. I need you too, so badly. Take me, Everett. Take all of me.” I plead and rock up against his hand.

I ache for his skin on mine, nothing between us but heat and longing. I’ll gladly spend the night tangled with him, savoring every moment and satisfying our needs. There’s no rush. We’ll linger in every second, taking exactly what we both crave.