"What are you doing here?"
"Good to see you, too, baby," he says laughing as he pulls her into a hug. The escort loads her things into his car. Christmas with her family in Hawaii had been close to perfect, but she'd spent the entire break wondering how things were going for Lindsey. Now, the new year was looming and she knew they were going to have to talk.
Seeing him at the airport caught her off guard. She was expecting Karen, but Lindsey had decided to surprise her. She can't help but notice the lack of a ring on his finger as he opens the door and helps her into the car.
"How was your Christmas?"
"It was nice. We broke the news to everyone yesterday before they left. Everyone seemed fine."
"So it's done then?"
"Yeah. I've been looking for a place."
"I'm staying back at the condo. You can have the house for a while. If you need to."
"Well, that would be preferable to the hotel. It would be even better if you would stay there with me."
"Well, when Emmeline comes to record next week I'll be back there."
"Look, I can get a place. You don't have to have me in your house yet if you need more time."
"No, it's okay Lindsey. I'm looking forward to having you around," she says, taking his hand. "I just don't think moving straight out of your family's house into mine is the best idea."
"You're probably right."
"But that doesn't mean you can't come see me," she says, smiling.
"I was thinking I could move the studio to the big house while we work on Emmeline's album, if you're okay with that. I don't really want to put everything in storage, and she's already comfortable at the house."
"In that spare room downstairs?"
"Yeah. It isn't like there aren't enough bedrooms upstairs."
"That would be great actually. We may actually get some things done if the studio is in the house."
"We? You want to record with me?"
"Well, I have some things... we could put some demos together for the new album."
"I know you're nervous about being in the studio with me."
"Well, we generally don't do well in that environment. I am so afraid of fighting with you again."
"We'll be okay. Especially now," he says, kissing her hand. "I'm trying to get you to fall in love with me again. The last thing I want to do is piss you off."
"I've already fallen love with you again, you idiot."
"I know. But I like hearing you say it."
"I love you."
"I love you more."
"Let's just do this right this time, okay?"
"So we're gonna do this?"
"Of course we are."
He parks the car in front of her building and carries her things to the door, waiting for her to unlock it and disable the alarm.
"Do you need anything else?"
"You're leaving?"
"Well, unless you ask me to stay..."
"Stay," she says, grabbing his hand and tugging on it. He raises an eyebrow as he steps inside and she smiles shyly.
"You know, it's okay to kiss me now."
"I'm aware," she says, wrapping her arms around his waist and looking up at him. He bends down and she meets him halfway, their lips touching gently. His hands tangle in her hair as he deepens the kiss, and she feels herself melting against him.
"God, it feels good to be able to do that."
"Well, don't stop then," she says, her arms hanging around his neck now. He grants her request, his hands starting to roam a little.
"Is this okay?"
"Will you stop talking please?" Her tone is suddenly demanding, and he continues kissing her, taking her bottom lip between his teeth. His hands start to travel up her shirt, his fingers playing at the waist band of her pants.
"Upstairs," he says, his voice rough.
She lets go and grabs his hand, practically dragging him up the stairs behind her.
She strips quickly, immediately turning her attention to his belt. "We have all night," he says laughing a little at her eagerness.
"It's been a really long time, Lindsey."
"Fair enough," he says, letting her pull him into the bed.
He starts slow, holding back in an effort to make it last as long as possible. He quickly realizes that she needs more and speeds up, and is immediately rewarded by her nails in his back and a small scream.
"Harder," she orders, and he knows she's close.
He brings her over the edge and lets go, collapsing on top of her, his hand clutching her hair.
"Why did we wait sixteen years for that again?"
"You know exactly why. And we're not done," she says, flipping him over and straddling him.
"I need a minute," he says, completely breathless. "I'm not 25 anymore."
"I'll occupy myself," she says, planting kisses up and down his body.
"God, I missed you."
"Just so we're clear this time, you're mine. If you get anyone else pregnant..."
"I don't need anyone else. Ever."
"I missed you, too," she says, kissing his lips.
"Alright, now we do this my way," he says, flipping her over and kissing every inch of her.
Hours later, she lays beside him, completely exposed and unashamed. He lays his head her chest, touching her idly, neither one of them willing to fall asleep just yet. "I still don't know why you chose me," she says, her voice soft and matter of fact, penetrating the silence.
"Because you're really, really good in bed."
"Be serious," she says, swatting his arm.
"Stevie, I have never not loved you. It took me a long time to figure out I didn't have to fight it. Stop doubting yourself. You are beautiful and funny and talented and loving. And totally loaded," he says, prompting another swat on the arm, but she's laughing now. "And I love you more than I ever realized was possible."
"I love you."
"Sleep, baby," he says, holding her.
"I get to wake up to you.
"Forever," he says, kissing her shoulder.
