Page 153 of Titus

“It is you running the event, cariño,” he said, kissing my forehead. “I know it will be executed better than I could even imagine.”

“What if you hate the floral arrangements?” I teased.

“I couldn’t hate anything you’ve imagined or arranged.”

“What if they’re daffodils?”

He chuckled. “Then? My guests will have to greatly appreciate daffodils,” he replied.

“Oh God,” I laughed.

“Come,” he said. “Allow me to place your request for our dinner, and then we’ll go over the details you feel I should be concerned about.”

The last of the dinner plates had been cleared away nearly twenty minutes ago. The sun had disappeared beyond the horizon, leaving only the glow of gas-lit lanterns and the soft illumination from the infinity pool below.

I sat curled into the corner of the outdoor sofa while Titus lounged with one arm draped behind me along the back cushion.

The sounds of the Pacific could be heard as they crashed against the cliffs below. For once, neither of us was speaking. It was comfortable and easy. Serenity with a man who was becoming my perfect obsession.

It was pretty fucking dangerous that I was finding this much comfort and fulfillment just being in his company.

I know I was thinking ahead, but until you get your ass burned by a man who seemed to be everything, you tend to think of things like this to protect yourself from the next romance that doesn’t work out, for one reason or another.

The scariest part was that I was beginning to enjoy the silence with him as much as our conversations.

“You’ve been quiet,” he finally said.

I smiled. “I was just thinking.”

“Should that worry me?”

I laughed softly. “I’m serious.”

“I know.”

His eyes remained on the ocean. “What were you thinking about?”

I followed his gaze toward the water. “How strange this all is.”

“A lot of people love to sit outdoors. It’s not strange at all.”

“It’s not that,” I leaned into him. “It’s the fact that a few months ago, you were the last person on this planet I imagined being with.” I waved my hand out toward the ocean, “Experiencing serenity like this with.”

He smiled.

“I genuinely thought you were arrogant.”

“I am arrogant.”

“I thought you were spoiled.”

“I am also spoiled.”

I rolled my eyes. “You make it impossible to win arguments.”

“One of my better qualities.”

I shook my head. Then my smile slowly faded. “Now, I’m sitting in your house, wondering how I ever had you so wrong.”