Mila’s back.
She’s curled into my side in bed as we both try to catch our breath.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I tell her. “I was worried you’d think I was too much drama.”
“It’s not drama. I get that you reacted the way you did for a reason and not just some bullshit egotistical thing. You found both of your grandparents, and I can’t imagine how that felt.” She looks up at me. “It’s understandable that you were scared, but I won’t be leaving you, not for Liam or anyone. Not even for Spence’s hottie co-stars. Not even a prince.”
“A prince, huh?”
“I’m sorry, Harry, I’m taken.”
I can’t stop staring at her like a psychopath. Thankfully, Mila’s face mirrors mine.
“Come on, Reid. You’re making coffee, and then I need to read your manuscript again.”
“You don’t need to read my therapy manuscript again.”
“I’m going to read it every day. I love it,” she says. “It’s sad and beautiful, and it makes me understand you a whole lot more.”
“Well, I’m glad you like my… history.”
“It’s all you. I can’t believe I’ve known so much more about you than I thought. I read that book and it was all you. I’ve had the answers I wanted this whole time.”
“I’ve always wanted you to know, I just wasn’t sure how to tell you.”
“I’m glad you found a way.” She places a kiss on my chest.
“Mila,” I groan when she gets out of bed. “Come back.”
“No. Coffee and words. I’m sleeping here forever, so we have plenty of time for more sex. You’ve not made me a latte in forever because you were pushing me away.”
I groan again. “How long are you going to use that one to get your own way?”
“A woman never forgets. Come on, abs.”
Mila gets dressed. I get up and throw some joggers on. Her eyes follow me as I walk around the bed.
“You’re very obvious.”
“You’re very hot,” she replies, her amber eyes full of lust.
“All right, let’s get a coffee.” I take her hand, and we go downstairs the way we have dozens of times before.
“Do I need to clear some drawers for you?” I ask.
“What?”
“You said you’ll be staying over a lot.”
“I said forever, but sure. And yes, I need drawers and hanging space. Lots of it.”
I pull her into my arms and lean back against the counter. “You’ve got it. So… are you moving in?”
She nods once. “Unofficially.”
“Unofficially?”
“Reid, we’ve been together for two hours.”
“So?”
“So…”
Grinning, I pull her closer until there’s no space left between us. “All the best love stories start with moving in together on the first day, you know.”
She raises a brow. “Examples?”
“This one.” I kiss her.
“I love you,” she whispers against my mouth.
“I love you, too.”
I want nothing more than to take her back to bed and spend the rest of the day whispering I love you between heated kisses.
Mila holds onto me while I make the coffee, her chin resting on my chest.
I smirk. “I didn’t think you’d be so clingy.”
“Shut up. You love it.”
“I do love it. You’re forbidden to let me go.”
“Ooh, forbidden, huh?”
“Don’t be cute. Keep those breasts on me.”
She laughs and lays her cheek against my skin. I hold her tighter with my free hand. “I want to skip this whole week and stay with you, but you have work and I have uni.”
“I don’t like that idea.”
“I know, but I’ve missed almost a week at uni because of you already.”
“You did?”
She nods. “My head wasn’t in it. It wasn’t in anything, to be fair. I couldn’t figure out why I felt like I was ill, even though I wasn’t. The girls told me it’s because I love you. Then it all made sense. I read the manuscript, and I came straight to find you.”
I brush her hair behind her ear. “I was going to come to you. It was supposed to be me doing the chasing.”
“I know you would have come to me, but it doesn’t matter, Reid. I’m not keeping score. Not with us.”
“I love that, and I love you. Never again will you have to chase me, though. I’m here, and I’m all in.”
“We can talk about anything?”
I nod. “No matter how painful. I’ll give you all of me, I promise.”
“Do you still see your therapist?”
“Only if I feel like I need a session. I haven’t been in a little over a year.”
“And your family are okay with me?”
“I swear to you, they are.”
“And what about you?”
“Oh, I’m really okay with you.”
She nudges me. “No, I mean, do you still blame yourself?”
“I try not to.”
“I wish that day had been different. If I hadn’t—”
My lips press down on hers, and when I pull away, her eyes are fire. “Don’t. No guilt, Mila. That’s not how we’re starting.”
“Are you okay? You found both of them.”
“I’m doing as okay as I can with that,” I tell her.
“I’ll help you.”
I nod. “You already do. Now, do you want me to let you get ready for uni or are we both taking one more day?”
I run my hand down her back and around her hip.
“You don’t fight fair,” she whispers.
“Never with you.”
“I told Liam to stay away. I don’t know that he will for sure. Does that bother you?”
“I’d be lying if I said no. But he will get the message. I was never angry at you for him reaching out. You can’t control that.”
She nods. “Sorry that I brought my past with me. I should have spent more time being single, then we wouldn’t have this problem. Indie and Spencer are each other’s first love. I wish we were the same.”
“I only care about being your last love.”
Her head tilts to the side. “Reid,” she whispers. “We’re taking the day. I don’t want reality yet.”
I lean into her and sigh in complete contentment. She’s right here with me. I can see it in her eyes how much she wants me.
This is it. This is happiness.