Page 102 of The Flirty Forward

I can tell I’ve shocked him, and I panic for a moment, wondering if I’ve never told him that before. But then his voice comes across the line, warm and sexy. “I love you too, Stephanie, more than you’ll ever know.”

A warm feeling fills me as I drift off to sleep. The next morning, I’m busy writing when a knock sounds at the door. I walk over and peek out the side window and then open the door. “Hey.”

Sebastian stands on my front step carrying two cups. “Hey Love,” he says with a smile. Then he runs his eyes up and down my body and shakes his head. “Do you ever wear clothes?”

I laugh. “I’m wearing clothes. Come on.” I grab his arm and pull him inside. “Let me go grab a sweatshirt.” I head to my room and throw a sweatshirt over my tank top and shorts. “There. Is that better?”

He eyes my legs. “Not really.”

I shake my head and walk over to him. He opens his arms and enfolds me in them. I sigh when my head hits his shoulder. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” he says, kissing the top of my head. I lift my face, and he takes advantage. When neither of us can breathe, he pulls back and tucks a hair that escaped my messy bun behind my ear.

“Is this coffee?” I ask after I take a seat.

He snags my hand and pulls me out of my seat and over to the couch where he pulls me down onto his lap. I laugh, and he just smiles. “Is that coffee?” he repeats my question and shakes his head. “Like you even need to ask. Of course it’s coffee, Baby.”

I take a drink and sigh. “Oh, this is good.”

“How many cups have you already had this morning, my little coffee addict?” he asks, amused.

“Only two,” I tell him. “And I needed them; I’ve been trying to finish this book.”

“How close are you?” he asks.

“Hopefully on the last few chapters.”

“Hopefully?” he questions.

“I never really know. It's hard to explain, but I keep writing until it feels finished. It’s different for every book. Does that make sense?” He nods. I lean against his solid chest and feel the frustration and stress of the last several days begin to melt away. “What’s your day look like?”

“I’ve got several things I have to do before the fundraiser tonight. I’ve got a scheduled interview, a podcast interview, and something else this afternoon.

I run my hand over his chest. “No rest for the successful hockey star.”

He laughs. “Something like that.”

We’re both quiet for a little bit, just content to be together after being apart. “I really missed you,” he says quietly as he runs his fingers up and down my side in a soothing motion.

“You keep that up, and I’m going to fall asleep on you,” I warn him, even as I yawn.

“How early did you get up?” he asks.

“Four,” I respond. He shakes his head. “I needed to get in the writing time,” I tell him. “But now I’m tired,” I admit.

“Even after three coffees?” he asks with humor in his voice.

“Caffeine doesn’t affect me,” I say against his chest.

“Come on.” He pushes me up.

“I was resting comfortably,” I complain.

“Come on.” He takes my hand and leads me to my room. “You can nap; I’ll hold you for a few minutes before I have to leave.”

“Really?” I ask.

He gives me a gentle, loving smile. “Yeah, Baby.” He kicks off his shoes and climbs onto the bed on the opposite side of where I normally sleep. He pats the bed next to him, and I don’t need any more convincing. I crawl onto the bed next to him, and he wraps an arm around me. I end up laying on his bicep, and he pulls me close. “I’d better set an alarm,” he says and grabs his phone. A minute later, he turns back to me. I snuggle as close to him as I can get and smile to myself. I would have never pegged myself as a cuddler, but this man has changed me. I want to ask him how his trip was, but the words won’t form in my sleepy brain. I just enjoy the closeness of him and the smell of his cologne. It’s themost comforting scent in the world to me. Sleep finds me just minutes later.