Natalie

 

Slowly opening my eyes, I wonder why I woke up from my slumber. I was having a delightful dream, in the throes of passion, about my man. And yes, I’m so excited I can finally call him that. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I thought for sure after what Jake did to me that I would never be able to let my guard down again.

But then, Luca came into my life and made me whole again. It’s going to take some time to get used to calling him by that name, but I know I will get used to it eventually, because nothing is going to come between us. Now that I have him, I dare a single soul to touch the man I fell in love with.

A thundering knock echoes through my rundown apartment, and I get my answer as to why I woke up. Someone is here.

Instantly on alert, I slowly get up from my futon and pad my way over to the door. There isn’t a peep hole to see who it could be, which is very dangerous, but it’s something I can’t help in this apartment building. The rent is reasonable, even though it’s a piece of shit place, and I couldn’t ask for better neighbors.

“Yes,” I call out, before cracking the door open.

I’m stunned silent as I see a fancy dressed delivery man—his thick black mane slicked back against his head, the coat he’s wearing is clasped tightly around his strong body, seemingly forming to him, and he’s holding a big thin rectangular box and a medium chunky one. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know this is from Luca, but I’m still not opening my door.

“Is there a Ms. Bennett at this residence?” he asks, looking down at his delivery pad.

Nodding, I push aside the unease residing in my gut. “Yes, that’s me.”

A bright smile overtakes his face, causing me to stumble back a step. “If you will open the door, I can give you your delivery and be on my way.”

“I didn’t order anything, though,” I release, confused.

Cocking his head to the side, he regards me for a full minute before looking down again. I can tell he wants to drop the load and get the heck out of here, but I don’t who the heck he is, and it’s clear he didn’t know who I was before I said what I did. But, it still makes me antsy to open my door and let him into my apartment.

“It says here,” he replies, looking back down. “that it’s from one, Keith Shaw. Do you know who that is?”

Thinking for a moment, I gaze back up into his eyes. “Can you wait here for just a minute?”

His eyes harden for just a moment, but I won’t let that deter me. He is, after all, the man that woke me up at the butt crack of dawn. Pushing my door closed, I reapply the locks. Making my way across the room, I head straight for my cell phone and dial Luca’s number. Within three rings, I hear his sleep ridden voice on the other line. I try to push what his voice does to me aside, but I can feel my body quicken by his rough timbre.

“It’s awfully early, Natalie,” he replies in greeting.

I chuckle, loving the fact he can talk to me how he wants now. “Um, can you explain why there is a man at my door?”

His soft chuckle rumbles through the line that ends on a light growl, the sound shooting a delicious ache between my quivering thighs. “He’s there to drop off a few packages, sugar. Just sign for them and go crazy when you open them.”

Licking my lips, I can’t help when my eyes fall half closed. It doesn’t matter what he’s talking about, the sound of his voice always drives me hot. “Can you stay on the line while I sign for them?” I ask breathlessly.

“If you need me to,” he responds, instantly more alert than before. More than likely from hearing the wanton sound of my voice.

“Great.”

Stepping back over to the door, I undo all the locks and swing the door open. It startles the delivery man, causing him to stumble and try to save the boxes from smashing into the floor. I regret taking him off guard, but at the same time the look on his face is priceless. He looks like a scared little bird getting attacked by a big fat tabby cat.

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” I screech, hurriedly stepping out of my apartment to help him.

I hear a chuckle through the line. “Did you unman him with your hotness, sugar?” he asks, and I push away his bickering with a smile on my face.

He’s been so different since after he asked if we could try. It’s been since yesterday evening, but still he’s been so affectionate since then. He didn’t even ask me to come over last night to his penthouse, instead, he said he wanted to take things seriously because he’s never felt about anyone the way he’s felt about me. It warmed me to hear those words, knowing that he’s been in just one other serious relationship.

“Just hush, Shaw.” I reply, a smile still lighting my face.

After signing for the delivery, I bid the man an adieu and step back into my apartment. I set the boxes on the bed, and take the phone from between my shoulder and cheek.

“You didn’t have to do this,” I say, hearing him breathe through the phone.

“I know I didn’t have to, precious. But, I did anyway. Just enjoy it, and I promise to see you tonight.”

After we’ve ended the call, both of us reluctant, I stand there mesmerized by the shining metallic ribbon wrapped tightly around the big rectangular box, then the other that had a little note tacked to the top of it. Smiling, I spy my name in Luca’s penmanship. He really can be the sweetest guy when he wants to. You just have to give him a reason to release the Prince Charming instead of the Kraken.

Unfolding the note, I read. Tears start to build in my eyes as my heart overflows with love.

My Sweet Girl,

To a night of new beginnings.

xx Luca

 

 

 

 

Don’t miss the continuation of Keith and Natalie’s story in the final installment, All or Nothing, releasing April 10th.