Sweet Surrender (Book 2)

Apart

"Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own."

-- H. Jackson Brown, Jr

Stacey

"I can't believe you're leaving tomorrow babe. Ugh! I hate just thinking about it." I grumble as I lean against his chest while we watch TV. We expected three more weeks to spend time with each other, but his weeks were cut short to days when emergency situation in Singapore needed him there.

"I know. Why don't you go with me then?" Tyler kisses the top of my head. His invitation is pretty tempting. I know. He has been convincing me to go back to Singapore with him. As much as I want to spend my time close to him, I just cant leave my life here in Canada. I've been through hell just to get to where I am. I'm not ready to let go of that just yet.

"You know I cant do that. This is the first time that I've made something out of myself without anybody's help. This job means a lot to me. You know that right?" I sit across him while he hold my hands in his.

"I know... I know... I'm sorry for pushing you. I just want to spend time with you. I don't know how to get it through without you with me. But I promise I'll call you as often as I can. Okay? Please make time for me." I smile as I put a hand on his cheek.

"I promise. We'll survive. You come visit me okay?" I can feel tears form in my eyes. I try to blink them away but that didn't help. His face soften when he sees my tears fall down my face.

"Oh God baby, don't make this hard for me. You know I cant take it when you cry. And it kills me to know that I'm the reason for those tears. Come here." He grab my arms and pull me against him.

"I'm sorry. It's just that I feel that we are being tested all the time." I shake my head as I pull out of his strong arms.

"I know. I feel the same way too. It's like the moment I have you in my arms, something comes up and we end up miles away from each other again. But this time, I wont worry. You know why?" He puts a finger under my chin and lifts my face up so I look at him. Only at his beautiful face.

"Why?" I whisper. His eyes are suddenly smiling.

"Because I have you and this little boy inside you. The best gift ever. I had everything in my life Stacey. I am used to get anything that I want. But I never thought this baby would be something bigger than the universe. You and this little bump changed my life. Made me a better person. I can never thank you enough for that. I was immature, selfish and self-centered. I can accept that. But the moment I learned about the baby, my life made a 360 turn. And I love you for that Stacey. You make me so happy. You complete me baby. You and this little boy are my life. Never forget that. Okay?" He smiles sweetly at me.

"Oh God." I whisper. I'm speechless. I'm usually the person who has a say to everything. But what I just heard from the man I love left me breathless. My heart feels like it can burst with the fullness of love that I feel for him. He loves me. I thought to myself. I still keep on convincing myself that this gorgeous man in front of me reciprocates the love that I feel for him.

"Why are you crying? Did I say something that made you so upset?" He cradles my face in his hands.

"No...No.. Don't get me wrong. I'm not upset."

"Then why the tears?" He looks puzzled.

"I'm happy. So happy Tyler. I have loved you all my life. Even since we were kids. You have always been the one for me. And that will remain forever. This little boy is a proof of my love for you."

"No baby, this little boy is the proof of our love for each other." He smiles sweetly as he wipes my tear-stained cheeks with his fingers. He pulls me closer to him.

We stayed like this for awhile. Me resting quietly against his arm while he circles his other arm around me. Watching reruns, eating pizza. He likes this. I like it too. Just feeling each other. Tyler is very protective of me. Even at times like this, the way he touches me, I feel safe. Always safe with him. We have been enjoying each other's company for awhile now. With him leaving, I cant be so sure what would I feel. How I would adjust. He promised to visit as often as possible, and I am really hoping he would.

"You know you don't have to do that." He says and he studies me as I rearrange his suitcase, the morning of his departure.

"I have to. There's still plenty of room here. Wanna put anything in here?" I look up as he looks around his bedroom.

"Nope. I wont need much." He sips his coffee. I zip up his suitcase and sit beside him on the couch.

"Of course rich boy. I know you have plenty of clothes in Singapore." I smirk at him.

"That's not what I meant. I wont need those much cause I will be here once a week. I will still need my things here. So bringing a lot will not be necessary." I try to see if there's humor in his eyes. But no. He's serious.

"Are you serious about the weekly visits? Babe, you're gonna tire yourself. An 18-hour flight four times a month is not fun at all."

"I don't care as long as I get to see you. I can leave Singapore Friday and go back Sunday evening." He says as he stands to get his suitcase.

"You don't have to do that. Once a month will be fine with me. I cant let you risk you job and your health just to be here. We will talk all the time. I'll make sure you know whats happening to me and this little bump every single time."

"Don't argue with me Stacey. I want to be here and that's final. Now kiss me." He says sternly as he pulls me close to him. I didn't object. I stood on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck as I kiss him. He pulls me closer with his arms around my waist bringing me as close as possible.

"Are you sure you don't want me to bring you to he airport?" I ask breathlessly as we break the kiss. His arms still tightly wrapped around me.

"No baby. Its freaking hot outside. I want you to stay here, make yourself some healthy snack and get cozy in front of the TV. I don't want you anywhere but inside my house. Get that?" Okay. Did I mention that he insisted of me moving in his house the other day? He kisses the top of my nose.

"Okay bossy man. I know. I promise I wont be out. I will be safe here in your haven." I smile up at him. He doubts the security system of my apartment. I didn't argue when I found him packing up my things and the next thing I know were in his penthouse arranging my clothes beside his.

"Good. I know you don't really like this place.. but please I'd feel better if I know you're in here. Okay?"

"Look, I don't really dislike your place Tyler, I dislike the thought that there's been gazillion women that you brought up here." I bend my head down and look at our joined hands.

"But none of them is the woman that I love with all my heart and soul. Only you baby."

"Okay then. Now go before you miss your flight." I grab his arm and lead him to the door. He kissed me one more time before I close the door behind me and lock myself up. Now where are those chocolates when I need them.