He hugs me. I breathe in his scent and rest my cheek against his chest.
"Todd's up. The driver took him to school," he reports and nuzzles my cheek. "You sure I can't convince you to stay?"
"You can. But you shouldn't," I say with a laugh. I kiss him, a long, lingering kiss. His hands go around me. "I know we have us. I need to figure out a few more things for myself, like … how I'll transition to doing what I want, whether I should go back to school. That kind of stuff."
"Money isn't an issue."
"I know, Petr." I draw away. "But … I need my own independence still. I can't rely on you for that."
"I understand," he replies. "Say the word, and Baba can create a spot for you on the payroll doing graphics work."
I hesitate. I know how serious he is, and it thrills me. I also need some space to determine my own fate.
"Think it over." He speaks before I can say the words. He squeezes my bottom and pulls me against his hips. "I'll wait. As long as you plan on coming home tonight?"
Home. I could get used to his home being mine. I'm not sure how appropriate it is yet. Our relationship is just beginning, no matter how incredible it feels. Yet the thought of spending the night anywhere where he's not has absolutely no appeal.
"Yes. If that's okay," I murmur. "I don't think we'll both fit in my twin bed."
"We could make it work." His eyes sparkle. He tucks hair behind one of my ears. "Want me to drive you in?"
I nod. I don't want to go anywhere at the moment, but I'm not leaving my job until I have a better life plan. No matter what, it'll include Petr. He pulls on a sweatshirt. I sigh, missing his chiseled upper body already.
With our arms around one another, we walk through the quiet mansion to the front, where his truck is parked and running already. We hold hands even in the vehicle. Imagining how long my day will feel until I see him again pains me, and I want to laugh at myself for being head over heels for him already.
"This was the best weekend of my life," I say when he stops in front of the diner. "Thank you, Petr."
He kisses the back of my hand. "It's the beginning, Claudia. I hope you know that."
"I do." And I love it. Leaning forward, I kiss him once more. He cups my cheeks with his hands and deepens the kiss. I almost melt then and there at his taste. I crave his flavor, his touch, his scent all over my body.