“Usually, I wait for you to start the water or open the coffee cupboard, but today I was waiting for you to open your eyes.” Keith grins before turning around.
I sit upright when he offers me a steaming cup filled with frothy milk, smelling of cinnamon.
“You just made it?”
He brings his cup, filled with black coffee, closer to mine and clinks.
“Looking forward to many more of such mornings with you, Miss Hawthorne.”
My heart flutters hearing his sweet words. As I’m about to take the first sip of the drink, he startles me for the second time this early in the morning. “You should tell your family about us.”
“But—” My hands holding the cup shake.
“No, Clementine. I don’t want someone storming into my house after three months, stating you need to return.” His jaw clenches and his lips flatten, giving me a glimpse of him from our early days together. I gingerly place my hand over his cheek and he immediately relaxes. He kisses my palm and says, “They need to know you’re staying for good.”
“For good?” I peer at him in surprise and meet his serious gaze.
“I’m forty, Clem. It has taken me a great deal to find love for the second time. You can decide how it is for you. But here at this moment, I am in. I am all in.”
The seriousness of his tone and his solemn face makes my heart race, and for a second, I wish my cup was filled with our Bollinger instead of cinnamon latte. “You love me?” I creak.
He does a double take before that playful smile reappears on his face. “Didn’t I tell you?”
“Not in so many words.” Just looking at that smile, something settles in my heart.
“My mistake.” After placing both our cups back on the nightstand, he turns to me and holds my hand. “Since the day you waltzed into my home wearing a gray jacket, red gloves, and red high heels on that rainy afternoon, you’ve made me crazy. I’m in love with you, Clem.”
My heart tugs knowing he still remembers what I wore that day.
Keith’s eyes crinkle as he smiles.
“Since the night you stormed into the loft, wearing nothing but those loose-hanging sweatpants, your gorgeous pecs have been the highlight of my every dream.” I climb on his lap and flatten my palms over his chest. “I’m so in love with you, Keith.”
His fingers dig into my butt as he brings his lips closer to mine. “Then let’s tell everyone.”
My heart storms inside my chest, but I nod.
* * *
“It’s going to be okay.” Keith grabs my hand, which is busy clenching the yellow chiffon skirt in a bunch.
“I should have done it on the phone.” My hand feels cold under his warm grip.
“Clem, you’re an adult. You get to choose where you live and how you live. It’s a good thing we are doing this in person. Believe me.” He kisses my palm, which is a sweet distraction, but not for long as his Range Rover navigates through the familiar streets of Cherrywood and we make our way to the Hawthorne Mansion.
The main estate gate opens and Keith drives for another minute inside the property until we reach the parking space. Scott is waiting for us.
“Miss Clementine, it’s so nice to see you again.” He smiles affectionately before an incredulous look crosses his face when I hug him lightly.
He nods toward Keith. “I hope all’s well, Mr. Adams.”
“Can’t complain.” Keith places his arm around my shoulders, which makes Scott’s eyebrows rise for a second before he quickly composes himself.
“That’s good to hear, sir. Everyone is waiting for you in the living room.”
When I take a step toward the foyer, Keith’s hand slides away from my body. He cocks his head to the side, but I shake my head.
I’ve had so many arguments in this house, but I’ve never been more anxious than today. It’s not only me, but Keith too will be judged, and I don’t know how far my mother will go with her insults.