Why I'm Yours

by S. Moose

  “I’m the lucky one.”

  He’s silent for a beat, and due to the large lump that’s sitting on my chest, I’m not saying anything either.

  “I’m going to walk you up,” he finally adds.

  Once he slides out of the backseat, he reaches out and helps me onto the curb. His hand presses against my lower back as he leads me toward the front entrance.

  Just as I reach out for the door, I pause and look back at the awaiting SUV. “You don’t have to walk me up,” I say as my eyes shift to Drew.

  “He’s fine,” he assures me. “Sander’s with him. It wouldn’t be gentlemanlike of me to allow my beautiful girlfriend to find her own way home, now would it?”

  “It’s a simple elevator ride up,” I say with a laugh as he ushers me inside.

  “I’ll feel better once you’re inside.”

  I choose to say nothing more as Drew leads me to the elevator. He presses the button for the car to arrive. His hand remains on the small of my back, his body pressed tightly to mine. I wonder if he gains as much comfort from feeling me close as I do from him.

  Once the elevator arrives, he leads me inside and pushes the button for my floor. As he steps back, placing himself against me once more, he seeks out my hand and links his fingers with mine.

  I might have sighed inside—or I think it was inside. The smile that accompanies his gorgeous face could be an indication that it wasn’t so well hidden.

  The moment we reach my door, he steps in close and cages my body to the cool steel behind me. “I’m going to ask you something, and you can say no. The last thing I want is to make you feel pressured.”

  “Okay.” I reach up to cup his jaw. “I know you aren’t pushing me to do anything I don’t want to. So, ask.”

  “Saturday evening, after the event, I’d like for you to stay over at my place.”

  The idea doesn’t frighten me in the slightest.

  “Whether it be me holding you all night long, simply feeling you against me, or if it’s more, I just want you there with me.”

  His confession makes my pulse quicken. I can see the worry in his eyes. A fear maybe that he’s questioning what he chose to say.

  “Okay,” I say.

  The tension in his shoulders go away. “Yeah?”

  It’s adorable, the way he tilts his head as a surprised expression covers his face. When I offer a nod, he pulls my body to his and holds me against him.

  It’s like he said. Nothing has to happen, but my mind is telling me to go for it. My heart’s screaming that it’s time, and my body wants nothing more than to experience the pleasure I know, without a doubt, Drew will give me.

  “Stop fidgeting,” Aimee says as she slaps at my hands that are continuously twisting in my lap. “They’re going to make your hair look fabulous.”

  Aimee took it upon herself to book me a hair appointment and chose the cutest salon on Milwaukee Avenue. I’m sure it isn’t as upscale as most of the woman who will be attending this evening’s event might use, but it is me. Hip and thriving with the younger crowd.

  “You have gorgeous hair,” my stylist, Malik, says as he combs his fingers throughout my hair. “So, it’s a charity event?” he asks, biting his lip, as he looks at my reflection in the mirror before us.

  “Yes,” I say, a little lost in the way his black hair with azure-blue tips barely moves when he shifts around. He must have half a bottle of gel or mousse or something in his hair.

  “Your dress,” he adds, pulling me out of my thoughts, “color, style? Tell me what I’m working with, girl.”

  I’m instantly taken with Malik, and thoughts of introducing him to Drew’s assistant, Brett, are immediately running around in my head.

  Aimee jumps in when I don’t immediately respond with the details Malik needs.

  “It’s the most stunning shade of blue, almost silver.”

  I shift my gaze toward her and watch as she closes her eyes, almost imagining my dress.

  “A floor-length Jovani with a plunging V-neck and sheer sides. The back plunges low, too, and it is fitted and hugs her in the most perfect way. Very sexy yet sophisticated.”

  Malik has that same look in his eyes as Aimee. “You have tape, right?” he asks. “You are blessed with an impressive rack, and the last thing you want is for one of those beauties to pop out during the main course at dinner.”

  Aimee snickers, and my eyes grow wide.

  “Just saying”—he shrugs—“a little extra security for those babies might be a good thing.”

  I give Aimee a panicked look, which only makes her laugh harder.

  “I got ya, girl,” she says through her giggles, waving her hand at me.

  Relief washes over me as I reposition myself in the chair and allow Malik to work his magic.

  I don’t dare disrupt Malik so I ask Aimee how things are going since it feels like we haven’t talked in a while.

  “Pretty good,” she answers. “This case I’m working on is killing me. There’s so much work that needs to be done before we go to trial.”

  “You’re a great lawyer, girl. If anyone can kick ass, it’s totally you.”

  “Thanks, babe. Tonight, I’m going to be buried in the books. Do you think you’re coming home after the party?”

  “Ah…” I pause because I have no idea how to answer. “I’m not sure.”

  Aimee smirks and she puts the magazine in front of her face so I can’t see her expression.

  “What?”

  “Oh, nothing,” she says. “Have fun tonight, babe. You deserve it.”

  I don’t respond and instead let out a breath and let myself relax. If I’m not going back home tonight, then that means I’ll be with Drew. If I do go back tonight, then that means I’ll have to say goodnight to Drew when he drops me off. Part of me feels ready to spend the night with him. Then there’s the other part that’s scared shitless.

  “All done!” Malik announces and I look in the mirror, taking in what he’s done.

  The end result is by far the best thing I’ve ever seen. “You’re magical,” I say, twisting from side to side.

  “I know, hon,” he states. “I know.”

  A side-swept up-do with ringlets of waves spilling over. It’s messy yet elegant. I love that he left half of my neck exposed while covering the other with the most gorgeous array of curls. I know instantly that Drew will love the exposed skin, as he always kisses the one spot beneath my ear. That single spot on my neck does unbelievable things to my control—or lack thereof, I should say.

  I don’t even have my dress on, and I already feel like a princess.

  We pay Malik, and I offer a generous tip for not only his talent, but also his spunkiness. He’s a doll, and I know this won’t be that last time I visit my newfound friend.

  With a kiss to each of our cheeks, he bids us farewell with wishes of a fantastic evening.

  As I stand in my bedroom, looking at myself in the full-length mirror, it’s hard to believe the person staring back is me.

  I spent more on this dress than I’d spent on any other piece of clothing I own. At first, I thought I was insane to drop that kind of money on something I’d wear once, but now, I’m glad I followed through. Allowing Drew to buy me another dress wasn’t an option. I wanted to do this for myself.

  “You look beautiful.”

  I turn around to find Aimee standing in the doorway, her eyes raking over me from head to toe.

  “I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you.”

  “You think he’ll like it?” I ask, knowing he will but needing reassurance.

  “He’s going to love it,” she assures me. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He adores you, Reagan.”

  I meet her gaze once more, and she looks at me with such sincerity.

  “You’re more to him than just some random girl to pass the time. He looks at you like you’re his forever. I believe you are.”

  I swallow hard, thinking of what her words mean. Could they be t
rue?

  The buzzer rings, and I jump in surprise, causing Aimee to laugh.

  “He’s here,” she says, hurrying off before I have the chance to stop her.

  I take in a few deep breaths, trying my very best to calm my racing heart just before exiting my bedroom. I tell myself that tonight’s going to be perfect. I have an amazing boyfriend, a supportive company, wonderful friends, and the strength to know I’ll be fine.

  As I step into the living room, Aimee opens the door, and there, on the other side, is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

  “Wow,” he says, moving in and bypassing Aimee, as if she weren’t even there. “You look”—he pauses, reaching out to trail his hand over my shoulder and down along my arm—“so beautiful.”

  My heart races.

  Aimee said the very same thing only moments ago, but hearing him confirm it…well, I’m now on cloud nine.

  “You look very handsome yourself,” I say with a smile.

  He takes one step further, his body mere inches from mine, and he cups my jaw in his hand. “I need to kiss you,” he confesses just before his lips touch mine. “Breathtaking,” he whispers.

  My knees grow weak.

  Drew leads me from my apartment, this time offering Aimee a smile and a good-bye. She hugs me close, careful not to mess up my hair, and tells us both to enjoy our evening.

  As we exit my building and Drew helps me into the awaiting SUV, in that instant, I know that things are about to change. I’m okay with it because it’s Drew who I want to travel this new journey with, and he’s by far the best man I know.

  27

  Drew

  Once again, my heart begins wildly beating, and I’m at a loss for words. Seeing Reagan walking toward me, wearing an elegant blue dress with a jeweled bodice that enhances her curves and slims past her hips and legs, makes my knees weak. She’s beautiful. Gorgeous. She’s everything.

  “You’re so beautiful, Reagan,” I tell her while pouring champagne for both of us. When I hand her a glass, I quickly take it back and set the glasses aside. “Forgive me. I’m sorry. I forgot you don’t drink.”

  “It’s okay. One glass won’t hurt, and tonight, we’re celebrating the company and our first night out as a couple.” She smiles while caressing my hand.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. Now, may I please have that glass?”

  “Absolutely, Miss Halloway.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Powers.”

  She takes the glass without hesitation, and I’m glad she’s doing more tonight than she has before. I hope I’m not pushing her but rather showing her that it’s okay to open up again. As much as I’d like to know about her past and why she was closed off before and, in ways, still is, I know that she’ll come around with time.

  “To an unforgettable night.”

  “Cheers.” She smiles and puts the glass to her lips, slowly taking sips and keeping her eyes on me.

  I’m taking her all in. She’s breathtaking. The dress perfectly fits her figure, framing her lean and petite body. I notice she’s not wearing a necklace and has a pair of diamond studs in her ears. Through the time we’ve been together I rarely see her wearing jewelry so I hope she’ll love this gift.

  I take a moment before pulling out a velvet box and taking her hand. “Baby?”

  “Yes?”

  “I don’t want you to freak out. Dawson and I were out shopping for Zoey’s birthday present, and he saw this.” I clear my throat and continue, “As soon as I did, I thought of you. This necklace,” I explain while opening the box and keeping my eyes on her, “symbolizes a journey. It’s not straight but spirals in a way that shows life is about taking chances and living for yourself. When you walked into my life, I admit, you annoyed me, but as I got to know you, there seemed to be another meaning to coming into work and seeing you. I’d like to take your hand and go on this journey of life with you.”

  She brings her fingers to her cheek and wipes a lone tear. When I open the box, her eyes go wide, and I have her turn around, so I can securely place the necklace around her neck.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispers.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  She turns around and cups my face, bringing her lips to mine and passionately twirling her tongue with mine. It takes everything in me not to lift her onto my lap and fuck her right now. Her body is warm and soft, igniting a fire of passion between us. When I touch her, her body trembles, and I can’t stop thinking about tonight.

  Sander pulls up to the entrance of the hotel, and I get out and help Reagan out. Her fingers entwine with mine, and we walk toward cameras with reporters asking me questions about tonight and whom I’m with.

  “Over here, Drew!” a reporter shouts.

  I place my arm around Reagan’s waist, tightly holding her to me.

  “Just go with it,” I whisper.

  She subtly nods.

  We take a few pictures, and I give them short answers before walking into the ballroom with my beautiful girlfriend by my side. It’s one of the most elegant ballrooms in Chicago, and my mother doesn’t shy away from the high costs of throwing a party to raise awareness for this charity.

  “Do you mind if we go to the bar? I’d like another glass of champagne.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, Drew.” She leans over and softly presses her lips to my cheek. “Don’t worry; you aren’t doing anything that’s pushing me. I want another glass.”

  “Okay, baby.”

  We walk to the bar, and I order whiskey for myself and champagne for Reagan. Before I’m able to turn and talk to her again, I feel a hand touching my back, and I turn to see Mecca, a woman I slept with last year, curling her lips in a seductive smile.

  “Drew, it’s been so long,” she says, trying to pull my attention and disregarding Reagan.

  “Mecca.” I bring Reagan over, so we’re both facing her. “Mecca, this is my girlfriend, Reagan. Reagan, this is Mecca.”

  “Pleasure to meet you,” Reagan says.

  I don’t miss the stare Mecca gives her and the up and down look most women do to one another when they’re trying to figure out what the other woman has and they don’t.

  “Charmed.” She gives a fake smile. “Drew, I’d love for you to come over and say hi to Annon and Cora. We’re dying to hear what you’ve been doing.”

  “Not now. I’m enjoying my night with Reagan. Maybe another time. Have a nice time tonight, and thank you for coming.” I turn away and forget about that unfortunate encounter.

  “Do I want to know?”

  “Nope,” I tell Reagan.

  She sighs. “God, you were a man-whore, huh?”

  “Maybe.”

  “And please don’t tell me you had some freaky orgy with all three of them.”

  I shrug, refusing to answer and hoping she’ll drop it. I’m not proud of my past, nor do I want her to know anything about it.

  “Pig.”

  I nuzzle my lips in the crook of her neck, and I feel her sigh as she places her hand on top of mine.

  “Aw, you two are so freaking cute!”

  We turn and see Zoey and Remy walking toward us. Zoey’s smiling from ear to ear, and I can’t help but notice the slight sadness in Remy.

  “Reagan, you must come over here and meet some of my friends!”

  “Okay.” She smiles, and Zoey takes her toward the crowd a few feet from where I am.

  When she’s not in earshot, I turn and look at Remy, wondering what’s going on with him and why there’s displeasure on his face.

  “You okay?”

  “Can I be honest, and then we never talk about it again?”

  “Yes.”

  He rakes his fingers through his hair and over his face. “Did you know how much I liked Reagan?”

  The fuck?

  “Don’t take that the wrong way, Drew. I’m happy for both of you. I’m not trying to do anything with her, nor do I have any intention of attempting to c
ome between you either. It’s obvious she’s falling in love with you, and you, with her.”

  What? Love?

  “Seeing you with her…I don’t know, man. It makes me want to stop fucking around and find someone like her. You’re lucky. She’s beautiful, the whole package.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. You know, I’ve been getting to know her best friend, Aimee. Sexy woman. We should do a double date or whatever it’s called.”

  “Ah, my wingman’s back. Always looking out for me.”

  “Always, man. But”—I turn around, so my back’s toward Reagan—“I’m trying to take this slow with her and not push her.”

  “Then listen to what she’s saying and communicate better. Don’t let her get away.”

  “I’m trying.”

  “She’s head over heels in love with you, and if you open your eyes, you’ll see it and feel it, too.”

  I take a moment to think about the past few weeks. I care about her so much, and I love our time together. She’s constantly on my mind and I crave her touch, her kiss, and everything about her. Falling in love with Reagan is as easy as taking my next breath. There have been several times I’ve had to hold back, in fear of saying those three words and scaring her off.

  “Come on,” Remy urges, “let’s go sit down.”

  When we arrive at our table and get settled in the front of the room with Remy and Zoey, I can’t help but look at Reagan and admire her. She’s been with Zoey, walking around the ballroom, laughing, and meeting people. The once closed-off woman is blossoming right before me.

  After dinner, the dance floor opens, and the song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran starts to play.

  “May I have this dance?” I ask Reagan, and hold out my hand to her.

  “You may.”

  I guide her to the dance floor and pull her close to my body. As we’re dancing, I slowly whisper the lyrics in her ear and feel her smile against my shoulder. My hand’s around her waist, and it feels good, having her in my arms like this. I can feel her trembling.

  “This should be our song,” I whisper in her ear.