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Paul put on Interscope, and in the beginning, it was clear it was a dystopian, futuristic film. It had the telltale wasteland of war-torn remnants of a big city. The aliens ate the humans and became them.
“This is a body snatcher rip-off,” Paul complained. But then the alien blew out the person, and it became another alien. Every rip of skin graphically visual.
I let out a yelp and grabbed ahold of him and buried my head into his chest. “Is it over?”
“Yes,” he cuddled me.
I sat up, and he was holding in a laugh.
I grimaced at him. “That’s why you wanted to watch this with me.”
“I don’t need films to cuddle you.” His fingers traced the side of my neck and I shivered.
“No, you don’t, but this is scarier than I thought.”
“Then you should stay close so I can protect you,” he teased.
I moved across his lap, and he kissed my forehead to watch the rest.
After another hour of me startling and being cuddled, the movie ended, but it was clear there would be another.
“So, what did you think?” Paul asked and turned off the television.
“I’ll watch the sequel,” I told him. He laughed and kissed my forehead. “Okay. It’s a plan.” I was about to pick up the tray with our drinks when he stopped me from leaving the seat.
“Let’s talk.”
I tensed, but smiled. “Oh, every time I hear let’s talk, it’s never good.”
Paul chuckled. “No, it’s not bad, but it needs to be said…I’ve been alone for a long time, Nadia. I had friends and family, but personally alone. Most of the women in my past wanted things, money, fame, recognition, sex.”
“I needed money, too, Paul.”
“Yes, I know, and agreements made things easier. I didn’t have to care; there was no pretending. I paid the woman. She followed my rules, or I let her go. Our lives were separate. We didn’t love each other. Hell, I don’t even know if they knew me. I never shared too much of myself because I didn’t trust them not to use it to hurt me or my family.”
“I’m sorry it was like that for you.” I squeezed his hand and kissed him.
He tucked my hair behind my ears, his gaze soft. “You’re so gentle and warm. I’ve been able to be myself. You let me care for you in a way that makes me feel needed and wanted. You’re not spoiled or pretending. I brought you to my family, and they found the same thing. They fell in love with you, too.”
“I love them, too.”
I missed Lily, Jonas, and Darling. I’d love to get away with Paul again to see them. Maybe soon.
One of the nicest and affirming things to have come out of spending time with Paul’s family was the fact that I felt I understood Dani better. Having been terrified of her and her insulting tongue, I now saw more clearly how protective she was of Paul. She hadn’t been hating on me necessarily, but trying to guard her precious son’s heart. And now that we both had that intention, we’d formed a close bond. I hoped she saw me more as an ally now and not a foe. Not to mention that Dani and Alan had been really great at entertaining my parents. Gunnar, too.
“You were who you claimed to be. You held on to me that first night and never stopped. When you left, the light in my life was gone, and I knew I couldn’t be without you. I know marriage is something you want but haven’t said anything to me about.”
“I’m not going to pressure you,” I whispered and swallowed.
“I know, but I also know we are planning to have a baby together. There is nothing more permanent. I wouldn’t plan on a child if I wasn’t sure about us. So when I say you have me, baby, I mean it. You have me.”
I straddled his lap and hugged his head to my chest. That was a lot for Paul to share, and I could feel him tremble in my arms. Knowing him so well now, I believed him and also believe we belonged to each other. He no longer mentioned our age difference or the possibility that I’d want something different. I stood on my own, and during that time, I achieved some success. But even if I hadn’t, I was living in Paris without him. But now even he believed we could have it all together. Ultimately, he needed me as much as I needed him. And our lives would only get better.
“You have me, Paul. I was worried when Tomas offered me Paris, but now I see it’s not at all something we can’t share. We can have our careers and go for our dreams. I believe that, and most of all, I love you and I want our children and the family, however we choose to have it together.” He pulled me in his arms, and we held each other for a long time. “I miss your hands on me, Nadia. I miss the softness and smell of your skin. The kindness in your eyes, and your tender embraces.”
“I missed the strength in your arms, the ease of your presence. The feel of your lips,” I whispered into his ear. We sealed our love with more, sharing the pieces we missed and mended them with more kisses. And to think I was worried about this place. The Rose House had magic of its own.
“Hold me,” he whispered. I hugged Paul’s neck, and he lifted me, carrying me over to the pool.
