47. Chapter 47
Chapter 47
Emilie
“I thought we were going to dinner?” I ask as Zack parks outside my favorite bakery. He says nothing but gives me one of those devilish smirks, one that makes me want to take us back home and throw him into the bedroom. I stretch my neck, pushing the attraction down as Zack opens the door for me and offers a hand.
I stand and take in New York City in peak fall. Soon, the leaves will be clinging to the trees for as long as they can, and then the snow will come. I take a deep breath and it’s almost like the air is telling me I'm right—it's also saying it’s time to find my winter coat.
Zack walks me to the door, and I look in to see lights on and some of my favorite bakers moving around the space. They close at 3 PM so there’s no reason anyone should be here four hours later than that.
“What’s going on?” I ask, looking up into the eyes of the man who has stolen my heart. The man who worships my body and makes me feel like I’m worthy of his affection and time.
“It’s our real first date.” His face lights up as he gestures to the building. “I’m taking you on the one I told myself I would if I ever got the chance.”
The memory hits me. Zack telling my parents, Eliza, and Mitch about our first date at the family dinner I brought him to. The one we never went on but I still think about. The one that took my breath away.
“We’re making croissants?” I squeal, looking inside to someone waving at me .
“Yes, my girl. Croissants and coffee. They’ll make us something for dinner since we can’t eat these croissants tonight.”
My heart melts with each thoughtful word. I go on my tiptoes to kiss him, and I can’t pull myself close enough.
“You’re so sweet to me. Thank you,” I say in between kisses.
“I know it might be unconventional to do something like this on a first date, but I don’t care.” He looks around before finding my eyes, and my stomach drops.
“Emilie James, I love you. All of you. All the time.” He holds my hands with his. “I’ve been trying to find the right time to say it, but all I know is I can’t go another second without telling you.”
I feel a smile reaching my eyes, my cheeks pinch.
“My dream first date with the love of my life,” he says before placing a sweet kiss on my mouth.
“I love you. To the moon. To the stars. To wherever life takes us. I’m yours, Zack.”
He presses his forehead to mine, and we soak in each other’s confession before my teeth start to chatter.
Zack opens the door and the warmth of the bakery wraps around me, comforting and soothing. But even that isn’t a match for the way Zack’s love makes me feel.