“Thanks,” I reply before ending the call.
It takes an hour and a half to hang the fairly light curtains all around the room, fill every surface with roses, set up a playlist for the evening, and look through a menu to see what I think Tex will want.
I’ve never done anything like this before, and I honestly didn’t see myself doing it until my late twenties—when I planned on settling down—but she is so worth it. The plans I made are happening a lot sooner, but I wouldn’t change anything. I’d rather feel this way for longer than screw around for another six years or so.
Texas terrifies me because she makes me want everything right now. Marriage, house, kids—I’d do it now. Logically, I know better. We’re in the early stages of our relationship, and I have a ton going on, things I can’t bail on and don’t want to.
Doing anything other than singing in this band isn’t an option for me, and Filthy Sound still needs a fuckload of my time and attention.
Somehow, I have to find a way to somewhat equally balance the two most important things in my life.
“Thanks, Hank,” I say as he finishes up straightening one of the large black curtains. With them all around the living room, it looks like night in here, and the hundreds of fairy lights are like stars.
“Have a good night.” He gives me a wink and then leaves.
I don’t know how he managed to pull it off, but it looks awesome.
My palms start to dampen. I’m fucking nervous. She’d better like this.
When did I become love’s bitch?
I wipe my hands on my jeans as someone knocks on the door.
I feel like I need a minute.
There’s another knock, and I know for sure it’s Texas. No one else is that impatient.
“Hey.” She smiles as I open up. Her eyes go wide when she looks inside. “Kitt…”
“Come in,” I say.
She doesn’t move, so I take her hand and tug her inside.
“I’ve never seen you speechless, Tex. It’s unnerving and, if I’m honest, something I thought was an impossibility.”
Tilting her head, she gives me a look, and then she’s back to being stunned. “I can’t believe you did this. I mean, Kitt Daniels can be romantic. Who knew?”
I certainly fucking didn’t.
“Do you like it?” I ask, rubbing circles on the back of her hand.
She takes the whole room in—the curtains that look like a starry night, the table laid out, the food and the wine waiting. “Kitt…I love it.”
Finally, she looks up at me. Neither one of us has said, I love you, yet, but I’m not stupid. I see it in her eyes, and I feel it by the way she’s holding me a fraction tighter than necessary.
I want to say it now. This is the perfect time, but she looks kind of overwhelmed already. And I’m scared. My fear doesn’t come from a negative place—I know she’ll say it back—but I’m having a hard time processing just how deep my feelings for her run, and I need to catch up with my heart. That bastard is miles ahead of me.
“Are you hungry?” I ask.
We’re standing a good few feet away from each other, still holding hands. The intensity between us is maddening. I feel her everywhere. My heart feels her everywhere. It’s thudding so hard that I’m considering calling 999.
“I am,” she whispers, staring straight into my eyes.
“Good, because I ordered a lot. You look beautiful, by the way.”
She’s in a pair of those sinful leather shorts and a Filthy Sound T-shirt. Nothing is sexier than your girl wrapped in leather and your shirt.
“If I’d known what you’ve done, I would’ve worn something…well, else.”
“No, I think you look pretty damn perfect in that.”
She rubs her heart. “You seriously have to stop that.”
Fuck, I love how I make her feel.
Stepping closer, I wrap my arms around her waist. Wherever we touch is electric. No one has ever made me feel like this. I can’t get enough.
“I don’t want to stop.”
She gives me a little smile that means she doesn’t want me to stop either. “What’s for dinner? And where did it come from? You didn’t cook, so…”
“Hank found this nearby restaurant that I wished I could have taken you to. Apparently, it’s the best in the city. I had them deliver a couple of dishes.”
“Do they usually do takeaway? And at this time?”
I shake my head. “I pulled a few strings.”
“Ah, you’ve definitely made it now.”
I give her a wink.
I have to say, it felt amazing. I’ve watched Mark, Will, and Jimmy get anything they want with one phone call, and to have that power is pretty damn cool. This is the first time that I’ve really done it. Other than to sing, I don’t want much for myself, but I don’t feel like a fucking diva if I’m asking for favours to make Tex happy.
“Thinking of calling Ferrari tomorrow.”
She leans into my chest and tucks her head under my chin. “Mmm, good luck with that one.”