Chapter 38
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Eva
I’m curled up on the couch, half-watching some baking competition on TV, but mostly just waiting.
It’s almost nine. Esteban texted me over an hour ago that they were wrapping up dinner, and since then, I’ve been counting the minutes. I’ve got a blanket over my legs, a mug of now-cold tea beside me, and a nervous flutter in my chest that won’t go away.
My phone buzzes on the couch beside me, and I reach for it instantly.
Ashton: You guys. I’m going on a date tonight. With a man. A gorgeous man.
Met him at the salon today. He has cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass. Pray for me.
Payton: Meanwhile, I’m over men. Like officially.
Ashton: You’re just jealous because I found Mr. Cheekbones. Also, you say this every other week.
Payton: AND I MEAN IT THIS TIME.
Payton: Not all of us want to be like Eva, shacked up with a literal Greek god who can cook and looks like sin in a suit.
Ashton: Speaking of which... any news on the Big McDeal?
Payton: I haven’t heard a peep. Not that they tell me anything either, but still. I need updates.
Payton: Also, if they DID get the deal, we better be celebrating with champagne. And tacos. Preferably both at once.
I smile at the screen, warmth blooming in my chest at how dramatic and ridiculous they are.
Me: Still no word. He should be home any minute. I’ll let you know. And Pay, don’t give up on men. Ashton hasn’t and look where he is now. On a date with a model. Probably.
Ashton: EXACTLY. Don’t kill my dream, Payton. Now go kiss your man when he walks in and report back ASAP.
I chuckle and set my phone down, glancing toward the front door.
Right on cue, it opens.
Esteban steps inside like he’s walking into a photoshoot. Dark dress pants, a navy-blue shirt that hugs his arms just right, and a black tie hanging a little loose like he’s had a long day. His beard’s freshly trimmed, green eyes shining with something bright and electric.
“Honey, I’m home,” he calls out, grinning like a dork.
I laugh, my heart doing a somersault. “Seriously?”
He shrugs. “I’ve been waiting my whole life to say that.”
I get up and walk toward him, warmth spreading through my chest like wildfire. I throw my arms around his waist, and he pulls me into him like he never wants to let go.
He dips down, pressing his nose to my neck, inhaling.
Then he whispers, “We got the deal.”
I pull back, eyes wide. “For real?”
“For real.” He nods, eyes glowing.
I squeal and throw my arms around his neck again. He laughs and lifts me off the floor, spinning me around like we’re in a movie. I’m so proud of him I could burst.
“Esteban!” I squeak. “This is amazing!”
He kisses my cheek before setting me down gently and guiding me back toward the couch. “Come here, baby. Let me tell you everything.”
We settle down, and I slide onto his lap without a second thought. His arms wrap around me like it’s the most natural thing in the world. He belongs here, and so do I.
He tells me everything. How McNeal brought another lawyer, how he explained his decision, how they signed the papers and celebrated over dinner. I listen, eyes wide, hanging onto every word.
When he finishes, I smile and rest my forehead against his. “I knew you’d get it.”
His smile softens. He kisses me, slow and deep. The kind of kiss that says everything he doesn’t have to. That he loves me. That we’re in this together. That nothing can shake us now.
I kiss him back with everything I have, love, pride, relief, all of it. My fingers slide into his hair as I melt into him, completely.
When we finally pull apart, breathless and grinning, he cups my cheek.
“Eva,” he says softly, “move in with me.”
My heart skips.
“I love having you here,” he continues. “I love coming home and seeing you on my couch. I love waking up with you in my arms. I love cooking for you—”
“And eating with me,” I add with a teasing smile.
“That too.” He chuckles. “And I love making love to you whenever we want. I love… us. I want all of it. Every day. And more.”
I’m frozen, my heart climbing right out of my chest.
“I want to marry you soon,” he says. “I want you to chase every dream you’ve ever had. I want to see you create your skincare brand, and I want to be the guy who’s there cheering you on. Always.”
I stare at him, feeling like the world has just cracked open in the most beautiful way.
Then I say the only words I can.
“Yes,” I whisper. “Yes to all of it.”
He kisses me again, and this time, it tastes like forever.