She tilted her head and asked, “The Wall Street guy?”

  Right. She knew I had cash on the side, but not what I actually I had access to. I cupped her face, and my pulse pounded. “I’m both builder and Wall Street.”

  She stepped out of the bathroom and motioned toward the bed. “I think we should just enjoy each other here.”

  My mind raced. It was time to step out as a couple and for the truth to be out. It would be easier to show her, so I said, “It’s time to show you what being with me is like. It’s not a commitment.”

  She licked her lips. “I want you, naked and in this bed, right now.”

  My heart fell. She wanted us to stay hidden, and I was confused about what to do. I held her hands in mine. “You’re sure? I want to show you more.”

  “I just want you.” She then stripped off her towel, letting me see her naked curves and glorious form.

  Then she kissed me, and I held her. I wanted to give her more than that mattress or apartment. But when she held my hand and guided me to the bedroom, I did as requested. I lowered my lips to taste her, and she moaned when my tongue found her core.

  My heart pounded. I hoped she would enjoy herself, because I wasn’t sure I was able to find my own rhythm. I loved her and had told her as much, but she hadn’t said anything back. It seemed as if she wanted to avoid talking about feelings.

  Her eyes closed, and she moaned. I sat up, hoping she’d enjoyed herself.

  As she slowly regained breathing steadily after her orgasm, she asked, “What’s going on, Warren?”

  I swallowed and met her gaze. Her flushed cheeks made her seem illuminated from within. “I can’t pretend with you. I love you, and tonight feels like you don’t want that.”

  Her eyes misted, and she cupped my face. Her fingers sent tingles through me as she went to her knees. “You’re all I want.” Her lips met mine, and she kissed me. My heart pounded. As the kiss ended, she said, “Please don’t be mad at me.”

  I wasn’t. I only wanted her to love me too. She was the only one who didn’t see a trillion dollars behind me and patronize me. She believed in me, and I hoped she would love me for who I was.

  I kissed her back, and we fell back onto the bed.

  She helped me out of my shirt, and I slid my pants off. I needed her.

  Once I was free, I slipped on a condom and entered her. She arched as I set the rhythm.

  Soon, I went faster, but I held on until she moaned and found another release.

  Then I let go and orgasmed.

  As I held her and collapsed, I swear I heard her whisper, “I love you too.”

  My heart lurched. I hoped it was true.

  34

  Kerry

  The sun was shining through the broken vinyl, and my body was warm and completely satisfied.

  Last night, Warren broke something in my heart, but I wasn’t sure what. And it was clear that I’d hurt him. I jumped out of bed and rushed to do everything I could. First, I took his clothes and mine and started the laundry.

  He slept, so I made the breakfast, wrote emails, then returned to the laundry to put everything in the dryer.

  I was running a mile a minute without coffee. The bedroom door opened, and I jumped into his arms.

  He held me tightly and kissed me.

  My skin buzzed, and my heart lurched. As he let me go and smiled, I rocked on my feet and said, “Good morning. I washed all your clothes, emailed the realtor to find out when closing can be, found out what we need after you finish your final kitchen installations today and we get paid next week, then made breakfast and your lunch.”

  I needed to apologize but just spoke instead. He’d said he loved me, and last night, I saw how much I hurt him.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought you went to sleep last night.”

  I nodded. I needed to do something nice. I met his gaze and said, “I did, and I woke up… wanting to do something nice for you.”

  He blinked. “Why?”

  Because he loved me. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I brushed against his arm and said, “You’re so good to me, and I need to be better with you.”

  “You don’t need to do anything except be yourself.”

  My heart hammered in my chest. I needed to straighten myself out. However, he headed to clean up and came out and ate his toast fast.

  I saw the clock and knew that day would be the last day of our month-long routine. I blinked and said, “Have a good day, and I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Okay.” As he headed out, his lips met mine.

  I had been awful to him. My lips still tasted like him, but my stomach twisted. I knew I needed to treat him better. I needed to tell him how I really felt.

  35

  Warren

  Working on that kitchen installation for the last time meant I’d done the same every day for a month. It was much shorter than my gap year, but I’d learned a lot. I tightened the last bolt and checked to be sure that the caulk held against the counters. The job was done. I had my answers, and I had Kerry.

  I finished, snapped photos to send to the owner, and cleaned up after myself. The job was complete. I waved goodbye to the guys and headed back to my truck. The next day, I would return to being Warren Norouzi.

  Kerry was never far from my mind. I needed to stop pushing her so hard and so quickly.

  I hadn’t meant to tell her I loved her. I knew she wasn’t ready. I just wish I could stop.

  To stop myself from replaying last night, I called my brother. He answered and after hello, I asked, “Jeff, how would I know if she’s the one?”

  “You’re calling the wrong brother.”

  Heat rushed to my cheeks. Fair enough, but she’d stopped talking about her ex after she’d explained her story. So I rubbed my neck and said, “Cyrus, Joel, and Arman always seem happy, and they never seem to have problems.”

  “Maddie was also divorced when Arman met her.”

  “They were high school sweethearts, though. It’s not the same thing.”

  “True. Look, if you want her, go for her, but bring her home to meet the family before you propose. You know how Maman gets.”

  My eyes went to the blue sky, and I shook my head. Then I got in my truck and said, “She’s not ready to meet our parents.” I needed to back off.

  Jeff asked, “Why not?”

  I loved her, and I wasn’t at all sure what to do about it. I started the truck and said, “We’re not there yet. Hopefully soon.”

  “Well, don’t let another man get in the way.”

  If anyone jumped in the way, I would push hard. I stilled as the thought raced through me. “Talk to you later, Jeff.”

  I took a few minutes for me to breathe and realize I needed to hold on. She needed time, no matter how much I wished we were on the same page, I understood that. So I would wait.

  36

  Warren

  After work, I headed to the store. I wanted to get Kerry something nice, but outside the store, I paused. I needed to show her who I was.

  Last time I’d suggested going out, I hadn’t gone about it well. So this time, I parked the car and called her. She answered, and we said our hellos quickly. My heart pounded. “I’m heading home, but I wanted to call first.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Right. My pulse zipped like I was fourteen again and asking the driver’s daughter out. Kerry was everything to me, so I squared my shoulders and asked, “Will you put on the red dress and come out with me?”

  “Okay.”

  My lips curled higher, and I nodded as I imagined my plan coming to fruition. “See you in a half an hour.”

  She laughed. “Are you planning something?”

  “Yes.” I opened the internet on my phone as I said goodbye.

  The weekend needed something that would show her that I supported all her interests. An idea popped in, and I shot it down. She would never want to forget our business plan, and a week away wasn’t an option. So I found a smaller scale version.

  I finalized the plan and hopped out of the car to get the flowers when my phone rang. As I walked through the grocery store’s electric doors, I answered. “Gerard, what’s going on?”

  “She’s gone now.”

  I shifted through the cut flowers and picked out roses as I asked, “For good?”

  “She has no more keys, and I spoke to Mom.”

  Perfect. My brother was free. I smelled the flowers and nodded as I chose a bouquet for Kerry. “I’m happy you straightened everything out.”

  “Me too.”

  I stopped in the checkout line and waited, though no one was in front of me. “I’m about to buy a bouquet.” I moved forward and smiled at the cashier.

  “Flowers?”

  I nodded then stuck my card in the reader. “I have a date tonight with Kerry. I want to show her what it’s like to be my girlfriend.” I’d almost said “to be in the Norouzi family.” I didn’t need the clerk to hear that, though.

  Gerard said, “Have fun.”

  Then I hung up and headed back to my truck. Soon, our driver would be at the apartment for our limo-driven weekend trip.

  And that red dress would make Kerry delectable, which was why I’d bought it in the first place.

  I went up the stairs two at a time and unlocked the door. She came out of the bedroom and twirled to show me her dress. My heart pounded, and I said, “You look beautiful.”

  Her smile was bright. “Thank you.” She then took the flowers from me and said, “These are beautiful.”

  I kissed her cheek. “Not nearly as beautiful as you.” My skin electrified from her nearness. She laughed as she put them in water.

  I quickly changed into a white shirt and dress pants. I needed to look like my old self. As I finished, I looked out the window as the limo pulled into the parking lot.

  She finished with the vase, came and joined me, and her eyes widened as she glanced out. The car showed up with the driver holding my name on a placard.

  It was time to be Warren Norouzi.

  She came to my side and placed her hand on her chest as she asked, “You ordered a limo?”

  I offered my arm. It was time. She looped arms with me. “I did,” I said. “Are you ready?”

  “I’m excited.” She bounced up and down and slipped on her sneakers.

  We would stop for shoes, too, but she looked adorable, all dressy from the top up and in simple shoes. She then swallowed and said, “Me too.”

  I helped her in, and five minutes later we took an unexpected turn. I glanced outside and rubbed the back of my head.

  Kerry asked, “We’re at the airport?”

  My phone beeped with a text from my mother: Impress on your date tonight and take the jet.

  I laughed and put my phone away.

  Kerry narrowed her gaze at me.

  “It seems my family sent their regards and the plane,” I said. My intention had been a long drive and a weekend away.

  She asked, “Where are we going?”

  “Let’s ask the pilot,” I said, as I wasn’t sure what mother intended.

  I guided her in, and her mouth opened as she saw the dinner prepared with champagne.

  I left her to explore the living areas, where we could sit for dinner or just talk on sofas that doubled as plane seats. The pilot had options for me prepared, but I set him back on course toward what I intended. He cleared the flight path, and I rejoined Kerry.

  She sorted through dresses and shoes my mother must have sent and pointed. I walked over, kissed her cheek and said, “We’re off to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and these are gifts for you from my family.”

  She asked, “Why would they?”

  Because my mother wanted me married with children and wanted to help me achieve that goal. If I told Kerry, she would panic, so I took her hand and said, “My family wants us to have a good time.”

  We walked to the living area for takeoff as she asked, “And Pennsylvania?”

  We started down the runway. She tensed.

  “My pick for the weekend,” I said. “There is a cooking vacation to teach French cooking that I thought you’d enjoy.”

  Her eyes widened. “Really?”

  I nodded, and neither of us noticed takeoff. “I figured you’d like it, but we can do anything else if you don’t.”

  She curled next to me and sighed. “I’m excited.”

  I held her close. “I’ll do anything to make you happy. I originally wanted to take you to Italy for a cooking tour, but I figured you’d want to work next week, since we haven’t finalized our real estate deal.”

  “Don’t apologize. This is amazing. Thank you.” She wiped her eyes.

  I hoped so. I needed to convince her that our romance wasn’t only possible but the best thing for both of us.

  37

  Kerry

  The limo took us to an old-fashioned redbrick building with white columns. We crossed the terraced lawn to the front yard, with a patio containing round black tables with yellow sunflowers for centerpieces. Inside, the double staircase captured my eyes and imagination.

  I’d never seen such an old-fashioned but magnificently maintained place. We were led upstairs to a room with glass doors leading to a patio. I pushed through the doors and found a bottle of wine with two glasses set for us.

  Once the doorman left us, I said, “This place is gorgeous.”

  “I’m starting to appreciate old-fashioned because of you.”

  That reminded me of my parents, my ex, and most people I knew, but he’d changed too. I took his hand, and unlike the others, I wasn’t afraid to tell Warren how I felt. “Just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s not amazing.”

  He cupped my face. “Your optimism is one of your best traits.”

  I laughed. “I didn’t know I was an optimist. I spent years not believing in myself.”

  He let me go, but the light in his gaze had my skin burning with desire as he said, “I’ll never meet a more perfect partner. You’re beautiful on the inside, and it’s obvious to anyone near you.”

  I pressed my hand against my belly and nodded. “I’ll take it. Let’s sip to that.”

  He captured my shoulder in his hand. “Can it wait? You want to check out where we’ll cook tomorrow?”

  “First, the hotel.” My heart was in my throat—he’d thought of a perfect place for me. “I want to see everything with you.” He held my hand, and we left the small hotel to check out the place. As we descended the stairs, I asked, “Do you always go to such lengths to impress your dates?”

  We went behind the stairs to a grand room with a fireplace and windows overlooking the green garden and hills in the distance. “No. You’re special.”

  No one else had ever thought that. I hugged my waist. “Let’s not go that far.”

  He kissed my shoulder. “You are. Don’t push me away.”

  Half of me was afraid that it was all about to be destroyed. I sighed and let my arms fall to my sides. “I’m scared this is all a fairy tale because you’re the only person in the world who has ever seen me.” I turned to him.

  “And I like what I see.”

  Tears formed in my eyes. He was sweet. “Let’s go back to the room.”

  I wanted a future with Warren. His world included a family that cared about him and tried to help him. He had everything I’d always wanted, but most of all, Warren made my heart sing.

  I was terrified I would throw away my only shot at true happiness if I screwed everything up with him.

  38

  Warren

  I hadn’t yet told her the truth about my trillion-dollar inheritance.

  If she found out any other way, I would be ruined. The weekend was designed for her, and I wanted to show her that our life together might be amazing.

  However, as we walked up the stairs and she wiped her tears away, I wondered if I’d hurt her. That was the opposite of what I’d intended. I wasn’t sure what to do, and my heart had a huge hole in it.

  The door closed behind her. “Let’s get the wine.”

  “Sure,” I said and headed to the patio.

  She sniffled and held out her hand. “Actually, I need a few minutes.”

  Maybe I needed to let her go. My heart shattered. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

  “I’ll be right back.” She kissed my cheek.

  My shoulders slumped once I was alone. I had no control over anything. If she wanted to be with me, it was all her choice, and there was nothing left I could do to prove myself to her.

  39

  Kerry

  Last night, we’d sipped wine, and I passed out. Warren had tried to tell me something, but I’d changed the subject, as I couldn’t hear the word “love.”

  I hadn’t meant to fall asleep, though. I’d meant to tell him how wonderful and perfect he was and that I wanted to be his girlfriend. I hoped I could handle that much.

  I woke up in bed and knew he’d slept beside me. His side was still warm.

  He’d even helped me out of my dress to let me sleep.

  He came out of the bathroom fully dressed and pointed at the door. “Time to cook.”

  “After breakfast.” I patted my stomach and hoped for good coffee.

  He laughed. I rushed to clean myself up then changed into simple jeans like he wore, one of the nicer shirts his mother had sent, and the new Valentino flats I’d borrowed from the plane.

  He offered his arm. “Fair enough.”

  We were shown to seats in the grand room as outside, a light rain brushed against the plated glass windows.

  Inside, the fireplace roared, and the other guests were at their small tables, enjoying themselves.

  I poured a coffee and ordered Warren a tea.

  Without a word to each other, he put his napkin on his lap, and I hoped I hadn’t ruined the best thing I’d ever had: him. I swallowed as fear rocketed through me.