Too flustered to think, I simply stare at him.
"Claudia!" Eileen calls from the counter.
I blink, recalling where I am, and glance at her. She nods towards Henry with her head. His cup is empty.
Petr smiles. "Go on."
"Ugh!" I mutter. The only thing worse than being away from him is knowing he's in the room with me and I can't touch him or snuggle. "You aren't going to tell me if you have … plans tonight?"
He winks and sips his coffee.
"You are in so much trouble!" I hiss and then move to take care of Henry. I refill the older man's coffee with haste.
Setting the coffee on its burner, I start to turn to confront Petr again when I feel his strong, warm body behind me. He wraps an arm around me and pulls me into him, nuzzling my neck.
Touching him is bliss. I sigh and rest my head against his shoulder. I melt the moment I feel his strength.
"We have plans tonight," he whispers. "Probably a good thing tomorrow's your day off, too. I plan on locking the door and staying in bed with you all day."
A delicious little shiver slides through me. "And … Monday's a holiday, too," I whisper in return.
"Perfect. You sure you're ready for the next step?"
"Yes, Petr."
"Good. Baba's going to ask about the job again today."
I smile. With my nerves fluttering, I take a deep breath. "And I'll tell him yes," I murmur. "I already told the boss I'll be leaving in February."
He turns me to face him, searching my gaze. "I don't ever want you to feel pressured into anything."
"I don't. This is my decision. I want to help your family … my family and be like you. We've both been given second chances to make a difference, Petr, and I want us to make the world a better place together."
He smiles, the tenderness back in his gaze, and cups my cheeks in his hands. "I love you, Claudia."
"I love you, too."
He kisses me lightly. "Pick you up at six."
He leaves, his scent on my skin and the fever he causes warming my blood. I want to scream out of happiness and instead, watch him pull out of the parking lot.
"Told you so," Eileen say from behind me. "No one comes here for the coffee and pie."
I laugh loudly, exhilarated at the prospect of my long weekend holed up with an incredible man like Petr.
Sons of War
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2016)