19. Tessa
Chapter 19
Tessa
" T hat's the last box," Zane announces, setting it down in his—our—living room. Moving day came faster than expected and it took a few more days than anticipated to actually get everything over to the penthouse between the bakery and life.
"Our employee discount at the bakery really paid off." I laugh, gesturing to the mountain of baked goods I brought over. Sugar & Spice has been open for two weeks now, and the success has exceeded all our expectations.
"Speaking of the bakery…" Zane pulls me into his arms. "How does it feel to be Chicago's newest dessert sensation?"
"Surreal." I lean into him. "Like everything lately. Sometimes I still can't believe this is real."
"Which part? The bakery's success or…" He nips my ear playfully.
"All of it." I turn in his arms to face him. "The bakery, us, living together… Sometimes I wake up thinking it was all just another teenage fantasy."
"Want me to prove how real it is?" His hands slide lower on my back.
"Later." I pull away with a laugh. "We have unpacking to do. And Espresso's giving us the judgment eyes."
Sure enough, the cat sits on Zane's leather couch, watching us with what can only be described as disdain.
"Don't worry, your majesty," I tell him, pulling out his favorite treats. "I didn't forget about you."
He perks up immediately, jumping down to weave between my legs.
"Traitor," Zane mutters, but he's smiling as he watches us. "At this rate, he's going to forget who rescued who."
"Never." I scratch behind Espresso's ears. "He just knows a good thing when he sees it. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Zane's expression softens. "Come here."
"Boxes," I protest weakly, but I'm already moving toward him. “We’re finally so close to being done.”
"It can wait." He pulls me close, pressing his forehead to mine. "I just need a minute to appreciate this. You, here. Making my space ours. Making everything better."
“And you’re sure this isn’t too soon?”
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Zane wraps his arms around me from behind as we watch Espresso eat. "Welcome home, my love."