"Does he just not want to explore still? Or is he having trouble when doing so?"
"It's both, kind of... Like one is causing the other, and even though he acts like it's fine, I can't help but feel that he's lonely more often now.... And at the end of the day, I just hope he finds someone that makes him smile..." Her gaze grew endearing upon me and I got shy as her hand went to my cheek. "I hope he finds his Sade..."
Now biting my lip to hide a blush, I took both her hands to pull her onto me, and she giggled while straddling my lap. My lips found hers, and I kissed her again and again with my hands cupping her behind.
"You wanna go out tonight for dinner, or stay in?"
Dipping her head down to nuzzle into my neck, Lauren hummed in thought,
"Let's stay in," she whispered before kissing right under my ear. "I want to try another baking recipe."
"Oouu my favorite thing to hear-" she chuckled against my skin.
~~~~~~~~
Being back at the office after nonstop traveling is always so refreshing. I'm always needing to step away just for a mild change in scenery, but I always miss it right before returning. And this time was no different.
Today was chill, but only because the work needing to be done for the Oscars has already been covered. I didn't want to feel crammed during crunch time, so I went ahead and did all the hard work before leaving to travel. And now that I'm back, it's smooth sailing up until the day of the event.
And even then, it's really not even something I'd usually be attending, since I'm only a designer. But when your fiancé's a famous singer with a well deserved nomination, and insists you come as her date, I guess duty calls.
When I got home, I sat my tote bag and keys on the console table, like always, and left my shoes on the rack beside it.
Usually by now, Bella would've greeted me by jumping her paws to the bottom of my pants leg. But since she hadn't, I assumed she was either asleep or with Hunter. Looking around at the dim lighting, the kitchen was clear and the TV was off, but a few games and snacks sat on the island. Figures, since Hunter and Tina are supposed to be over in about two hours for game night.
However, my lovely wife to be was nowhere to be found on the first level of our apartment, so I could only assume she was upstairs. I called out to her, just to make sure, then headed up the steps.
Bella was in her bed, in the corner beside the window, fast asleep. But there was still no sign of Lauren in the bedroom either, which left my eyebrows furrowing.
"Babe!"
"In here!" Her voice muffled through the closed bathroom door, and I followed it. Once opening the door, a grin tugged my lips as I saw her head peeking over fuzzed bubbles in the bathtub. With her curls tied into a high bun, she rested on the pillow made for the tub's rim, and her eyes opened before she glanced over to flash a smile at me. "Hi baby.... You look pretty."
Sheepishly mouthing a 'thank you' to her, I adoringly tilted my head while on my way up the two steps to the platform that the large marble bathtub sat upon. Lauren's eyes followed my movements as I came at her side, pulling a stool under me to sit down. Eyeing her with a sigh, I raised my hand to brush my thumb against her hairline, then caressed her cheek.
"You tired?" I asked. She kissed my palm before sitting back, her eyes closed as my thumb continued a sweet swipe.
"Physically and vocally, yes. But otherwise, I'm alright..."
Chapter 82
Start from the beginning
