Page 111 of One Week
“Handsomeandsmart,” I tease.
He smirks, but then his smile fades. “That’s when I read your message, and right then, I knew my life had just changed.”
My eyes fill with tears at the recollection of writing that email. “Yes… it was pretty intense.”
He takes the book, sets it on the bed, and takes my hands in his. “You and I are meant to be together, Gabriella,” he says matter-of-factly, “and I’m willing to change my whole life for you.”
My heart is officially hammering now, wondering what the heck is going on. “What are you talking about?”
“Remember when I told you that Albert has contacts all over America,” he says. “Well, anyway he has a lot of contacts with big galleries in New York, which is about six hours from here, and even in Montreal, which is less than two hours away.”
“What are you saying?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing.
“I accepted that guy’s offer,” he tells me. “The guy with the crazy beard. It’s not official yet… I haven’t signed anything yet, but it’s as good as done.”
“What?! You’re selling your studio?”
“Don’t you see,” he says with such enthusiasm, I can’t help but fall into it too. “I have no ties in Copenhagen, no day job, no friends, nothing holding me back. All I really have is Floyd, and he can come here with me,” he says. “And you… I have you, and you’re here.”
I’m completely speechless. I never saw this coming, not in a million years.
“And the studio rent in Copenhagen is insane. Studio rentals are much more affordable here,” he explains. “I can set up a new studio here.”
I’m still speechless.
“And I can be closer to my sister and my nieces. It’s still far, but a lot closer then Europe.”
I stare at him, frozen.
Concern curves his brow. “Say something… please.”
I don’t utter a single word. I just throw myself at him, and hold him tighter than I’ve ever held anyone. He’s done all this for me. He’s flipped his life around for me. It’s crazy, it’s impulsive, and it’s insane. But that’s what I love about it. That’s what I love about him.
I press my mouth against his ear. “You’re crazy, and I love you.”
He kisses me once more, and I melt into him.
And let’s just say it’s a good thing I’m already naked.
Epilogue
Three months later… late September.
ELI FLIPS AND BOUNCES the coin between his fingers with the skill of a magician. Emma and Theo both watch him intently. Next thing you know, the coin disappears.
Theo stares with wide eyes. “Where did it go?”
“It’s in his hands,” Emma tells him knowingly.
Eli grins, and opens both his hands. “No, it’s not.”
Both Emma and Theo are completely fascinated.
“Oh, but wait,” Eli says. “I think I know where it is.” Magically, he retrieves it from behind Theo’s ear. Theo is completely amazed when Eli gives him the coin — a Danish Kroner. “How did you do that?!”
“It’s a secret,” Eli says.
Corrie swoops in. “He’s still not here.” She takes a seat on the pretty upholstered pink bench. “What are you doing here?” she asks Eli. “No boys allowed in here.”
