Page 99 of Booked on You
“Yes,” I admit. “She gave me an ultimatum. Her or my art.”
“Ezra,” she says, her brows furrowing. “I’m so sorry.”
She wraps her free arm around me, and I savor the comfort her closeness brings. “I was at the lowest point in my life, but I will always be an artisan.”
Scarlett’s eyes hold mine. “Can’t imagine a world without your mugs, Ezra. I’m glad you didn’t give it up. No one is worth that. No man has ever asked me to stop writing, but if they did, he’d be gone.”
“My craft is who I am. Take that away and I’d be hollow.”
“Me too,” she says, setting her mug on the counter. Scarlett smiles faintly. “Are you over her?”
“Yes, and I have been for a long while,” I say without hesitation. “It took a lot of time and self-reflection. I grieved losing my mother and the end of our relationship at the same time. I came out the other side stronger, knowing exactly what type of person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”
“Tell me.” She wraps both of her arms around me.
I grin, leaning in closer until our foreheads rest gently together. “Someone who’s kind, respectful, and honest. Pretty with a little attitude. I need a woman who appreciates andencourages my work, not treats it as if it’s a burden. She has to be smart and independent. Someone who doesn’t need constant attention but appreciates the time we get. Her sex drive must match mine. I want a partner I can get lost with.”
“Wow.” Her voice is playful and sincere. “Hope you find her.”
“I have.” We sway to a tuneless rhythm, and I spin her around.
Scarlett tilts her head up to meet my eyes.
“I might want to do this until the end of time with you,” I admit.
Scarlett holds my gaze. “I can imagine it.”
Her lips part slightly, her eyes dropping briefly to my mouth.
I lean closer, enjoying how her breath catches.
“You make my heart race,” she whispers.
“You do the same to me.”
Our teasing melts into something that’s always there, bubbling beneath the surface. My thumb brushes over her cheekbone, and Scarlett’s eyelids flutter shut at the touch. Slowly, I lower my head, capturing her mouth.
She sighs into me, her lips warm and inviting. Her hands curl into my hair, holding me closer, and I savor the gentle press of her body against mine. We kiss until every thought of exes, interruptions, and uncertainty fades, leaving only the sweet, effortless rhythm we’ve found together.
When we break apart, Scarlett lets out a contented sigh. “I really need to finish this damn book.”
“Sorry for being a distraction.” I stroke my fingers through her hair.
“No, you’re not,” she says with a smirk.
I laugh against her lips, stealing another kiss. “You’re damn right about that.”
CHAPTER 23
SCARLETT
After several more kisses, I refill my coffee, then Ezra shoos me away with a soft pat on the ass.
“Have dinner with me?” he asks.
“Of course. I’d love that.”
“Maybe you’ll be able to finally spend that O-coin,” he tells me with a wink. “Happy writing.”
