I sit closer, waiting for her to finish.

“There has been no one since you at the wedding.” She nervously looks up, waiting for my reply.

“Is that right?” For whatever reason, this sounds like good fucking news to me. The best news actually.

Lauren’s epic eye roll is followed by, “Yeah.”

“I knew I rocked your world,” I exclaim, my voice exaggerated.

She laughs out loud, throwing her napkin at me. It sails onto the table and falls back on her plate.

“Let’s clean up and go inside. Movie?”

“Sure.”

We clear the table together and head back into the kitchen. I take the serving platters, leaving them on the counter, while Lauren picks up the plates and silverware off the table. She moves to the sink, rinsing off the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher. She moves so comfortably, as though she belongs here.

After I put the extra food back into the refrigerator, I grab a cigarette from the junk drawer.

“I’m going to step out to have a smoke. You make yourself comfortable on the couch over there. Remote should be on the side table by the couch.”

She looks over her shoulder, smiling at me while continuing to rinse. “Sure.”

Outside, I light up and listen to her movements in the house. It feels so good to have a woman with me. A spot in my chest that I never knew was empty seems to be filling, and I feel it. I know it in my fucking bones that having her with me is right. I know it can’t last, and I can’t let her in. But still, the truth is there, written clearly for me to see. In another life, she’d be my only.

I put out the cigarette and head back inside. I want another but don’t want her waiting too long.

“I’ll make us some popcorn,” I shout into the living room.

A minute later, I pour it into a large bowl and take it with me. Shoes off and barefoot, she sits with her hair piled high on top of her head. I pause and swallow.

She belongs here.

She lifts her hand in hello. “What do you feel like watching?” The remote is in her hand as she scrolls through channels.

“Why don’t we go somewhere?” I speak before I think.

“Where?” She looks between me and the bowl of popcorn.

“The sun is setting soon. There’s a spot.”

“Yeah. Okay.” She stands up, sliding her shoes on. “Let’s do it.”

“It’s about half an hour west of the strip. Red Rock Canyon. You cool with riding for that long?”

She nods enthusiastically.

We get on the bike together and ride. Her hands trail all over my stomach as I drive. Her touch is a brand. It moves like fire straight into my dick and my heart and even my brain. We get there just as the sun sets over the canyon, painting everything in shades of orange.

I help her off the bike, walking us away from the parking lot and the highway.