The Affair

Chapter 29

I stare at her as she stands on the balcony. The breeze hits her face, makes her close her eyes, and she smiles. It makes me smile, makes my heart swell as it always does, and makes my stomach go warm. I think to myself that I'm so in love with this person. How can I be this much in love after I was so miserable only a few weeks ago?

I go to her when she looks back to me, there's only a few feet between us, and I slowly wrap her up into my arms. She smells of Chanel and I close my eyes as I bury my face in her neck, kiss her softly, and sigh. The fabric of her dress is soft, expensive, and the dark green color of it compliments her well. I love her in green and tell her that often.

"What do you think, baby?"

She turns to face me and takes my face into her hands, then kisses me on the mouth. I'm still not used to being kissed by her again or being able to fuck her every day and night and having access to her whenever I want it. It makes me feel weak in the knees just thinking about it.

"I love it," she murmurs. "I think it's beautiful, don't you?"

I nod in agreement. We've just walked through a house. With seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, three floors, no shortage of terraces and balconies, and a huge yard that would be wonderful for children, it seems tailor made for us. It's a Victorian style home, which is what she said she had always dreamed of having. And we've done our research as to what schools are nearby and have come to the conclusion that this would be the best fit. It's very private, no neighbors for miles, in a wooded area, and it sits near a lake. My name got us a private showing before it even hit the market. The person that currently owns it is a fan of mine. That was apparent when I noticed every book I've ever written in their library.

I've asked the realtor to give us a moment alone to discuss how we feel, so he's waiting for us downstairs.

"It's perfect, darling," I say. "So? You want it?"

"If I want it you'll get it? Just like that?"

"Just like that," I repeat. "I told you I'm going to give you everything you could ever want."

She blushes and messes with the collar of my suit jacket, runs her thumbs along my jaw line, and smooths my hair back gently. The way her nails feel against my scalp is so soothing.

"Shouldn't I help pay for it?"

"Eh. I've got it."

Now she rolls her eyes and laughs.

"You've got it? This isn't like paying the check at a restaurant. We're talking about buying our home."

"Yes. And I'm telling you I'll take care of it. We'll both be on the deed, so what does it matter who pays for it?"

We're moving quickly into this, but I don't want to waste anymore time. We've wasted over two years and there isn't anymore time to be wasted. We're in love, so why shouldn't we buy a home and get married and start a family? She's filed for a divorce and Hugh isn't going to contest it, so it should be finalized rather quickly. I've already bought a ring to propose to her with, an extravagant princess cut diamond with a silver band, because I know that's her favorite style. Simple and elegant and it's in the inside pocket of my suit jacket, not that she knows that.

I have no doubts that she loves me just as much as I love her, so I'm not frightened. I've read her book, did so in one sitting, and we cried together afterward and made love.

Back downstairs, we tell the realtor we want it. She's giddy and excited and holds tightly to me. Seeing her so happy makes me happy. We don't need to put an offer in because we're willing to pay what the owner wants and the realtor says he will likely be in touch with us this evening.