Chapter 18
Laura
Things seem different today. The office is quiet when I walk in, and everyone is on their second cup of coffee.
“Morning.” Dallas says, gesturing me into his office.
“I was thinking...” he begins. “Move in with me. I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning.”
I stare at him, stunned into silence. Then a slow smile spreads across my face. “Yes. Absolutely yes.”
Dallas’s face lights up as he pulls me into his arms. “Fantastic! I’ll have your things moved in this weekend. This is going to be great, sweetheart!”
My heart swells with joy. Who would’ve thought that the infamous Mr. De La Cruz would turn out to be such a hopeless romantic? I snuggle into his embrace, excited about this new chapter of our lives together.
The rest of the weekend passes in a blur as Dallas’s men transfer box after box from my apartment to his spacious home. By Sunday evening, the last of my belongings have found their place in our home. Our home. I still can’t quite believe it.
Dallas slid his arms around my waist as we admired our combined living room. “Happy with how everything turned out?”
I turned in his arms and smiled up at him. “Very happy. Thank you for this.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he murmured, dipping his head to capture my lips in a searing kiss.
When we broke apart, breathless, Dallas gazed down at me with a warmth and tenderness I’d never seen before. “Welcome home, darling.”
“I was thinking we could take a trip to Tuscany this summer,” Dallas says, feeding me a strawberry. “We could tour the vineyards, stay in a charming little villa...”
“That sounds amazing.” I sigh, leaning into his side. “I’ve always wanted to visit Italy.”
“Consider it done, then.” He presses a kiss on my temple. “Anything else you’ve dreamed of?”
I smile, tracing circles on his chest. “Honestly, just building a life with you is more than I could’ve ever asked for.”
Dallas’s eyes softens. “You are too good to be true, you know that?” He tips my chin up, gazing at me with unveiled adoration. “I love you with all my heart, Laura Stevens. And I want nothing more than to make you happy every day.”
Tears prick at my eyes as I pull him in for a heated kiss. “I love you too, Dallas De La Cruz. So much.”
We spend the day curled up together, talking and laughing as we form dreams for our future. The rest of the week passes in much the same way, a blissful haze of togetherness I never want it to end. Who knew that the notorious Mr. De La Cruz would turn out to be such an expert cuddler?
“So, did Valerie ask Tom out for drinks?” Dallas asks.
“Not yet. I think she’s still nervous he’ll say no.”
“That’s ridiculous. Tom is clearly smitten with her. If she doesn’t make a move soon, I may have to lock them in a closet until they confess their undying love for each other.”
I laugh. “Please don’t. As entertaining as that would be, I’d rather Valerie work up the courage in her own time.”
Dallas sighs. “You’re too kind, darling. If it were up to me, true love would always prevail in the end.”
“Which is why I’m here to provide balance,” I tease, leaning in for a kiss.
Our communication has gotten even better since moving in together. Dallas is an open book, sharing his hopes, fears, and insecurities without hesitation. It’s helped me to do the same, and I know we can work through any challenge together.
Life with Dallas is even better than my wildest dreams, and if the way he’s looking at me now is any indication, the feeling is mutual. My heart swells with joy at how far we’ve come, and the adventures are still left ahead.
Dallas tucks a stray hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”
His words elicited a warm flush of pleasure. “You may have mentioned it once or twice.”
“Only once or twice?” He feigned a wounded look. “I’m clearly not expressing my affection enough.”
I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Don’t worry, I get the message loud and clear.”
“Good.” Dallas pulls me close, his embrace strong and sure. “Because you’re it for me, Laura.”