“Oh, wow, that would be a dream come true!” she said with asmile.
“Speaking of dreams, after I graduate, I’d like to open up anArt Therapy practice.”
“That would be perfect, Crispin.”
“Yeah, I’m gonna run it by Kell, too. I think he would be intoit. Heck, even Dorian might be want to be involved. We’ve all had arough go of it as kids growing up. Between us, we could write abook about it,” he said, snapping his finger. “Hey, maybe that’swhat you should do. Write a book about us.”
“A book about Goths?” she said, quirking and eyebrow. “House ofGoths, an alternative set of talented individuals coming together,forming a band and overcoming adversity and rising above personalchallenges?”
“Yeah, why not? But don’t forget the falling love bits. That’swhere you’ll make the most sales.” He leaned in real close. “I canhelp you with the sexy parts.”
“I’m sure you can and I’ll hold you to it!” Gwen giggled,pondering the idea. “Do you think it would sell?”
“Depends on the writer. And I believe you have it in you tomake it a bestseller.” He winked.
“Wouldn’t that be something?”
“So, what do you say?” Crispin asked. “Ready to go back toschool, finish your course and write an internationalbestseller?”
“It’s not exactly historical fiction, but I think it mightactually be better. Kind of an old world mystique with modern daycharacters. Wow, what a great idea!”
“Perfect, you can use the time on tour to plot it all out,”Crispin said. “Maybe even have it all written by the time we headback to Harlow Manor.”
“Oh, I don’t know if it’ll be done that quick,” she said with asmile. “So, when do you plan on returning?”
“Maybe in the Fall. Christmas for sure. I want to invite myfriends, too. Maybe we’ll have our annual Halloween party there.I’ll even fly everyone in for the event.”
“Now you’re talking like a true billionaire,” she teased. “Justdon’t let it get to your head.”
“Never, that’s why I have you and that’s why I want to keep myfriends close.”
“Well, I suppose I should go on in,” Gwen said, taking a deepbreath. It was only 6 PM but they were both weary from the flight.“You should head home, too. I’ll bet you’re looking forward toseeing your housemates.”
With a nod,Crispin agreed. He then carried Gwen’s luggage up to her placeabove the shop. After taking a look around the small but cozybachelor apartment, he sighed when she walked him to the door.
“Goodnight, sweet Crispin,” she said, giving him a kiss.Sensing his need for more than that, she wrapped her arms aroundhim and hugged him close. Her heart leapt when he let her hold himwithout hesitation. He had come a long way from when they hadstarted out. He no longer worried she would leave him and thereforeenjoyed being held. She loved him. She had told him many times.Every time she spoke the words, he had rewarded her with aheart-melting smile. “I love you. I’ll miss you tonight. But I lookforward to seeing again, real soon.”
Holding hertightly in return, Crispin eventually forced himself to releaseher. But not before a series of emotion packed goodbye kisses.“God, this hurts,” he groaned, chuckling at himself.
“It does. I agree,” she said, stepping back and smiling at him.“But you know what?”
“What’s that?”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you again and again andagain…”
“Haha, I get it. Come here.” Once again her took her into hisarms and kissed her. “Sweet dreams, Gwen.”
Chapter 40
Driving awayfrom Gwen’s place proved tougher than anything he had ever had todo. Having been together so intensely this last little while,leaving her behind seemed unnatural and wrong. At more than a fewstop lights along the way, Crispin had been tempted to turn his cararound. But he promised himself he would see her again as soon aspossible. Tomorrow at the very latest, he would go get her andbring her home to the House of Goths to meet Becky and hishousemates. With that in mind, his heartbeat sped up at theprospect of seeing his friends again in mere moments.
As he finallypulled up in front of his home and parked, he hadn’t even made itaround the car when the back door of the house was flung open. Outran Becky with tears in her eyes. Without hesitation, Crispin heldout his arms and caught her as she launched herself at him, nearlyknocking him over with her enthusiasm.
“Crispin!”
“Aww… dormouse!” He couldn’t help but smile, his voice filledwith laughter. “Sweetheart, I have missed you something awful.”Leaving his luggage, for now, he carried her towards the house,where Dorian waited, holding the door open.
“I missed you like crazy!” she gasped. Becky was a mess oftears of joy. “I’m so glad you’re back. My sweet prickly Goth, Iwas so worried.”
“You shouldn’t have worried, Becky.” Crispin held her tight. “Itold you I’d be back.”
“I told her the same the entire time you were gone,” Doriansaid, slapping Crispin on the shoulder. “You could have called,though.”
Placing Beckydown, Crispin turned and tugged Dorian in for a hug. “Yeah, Isuppose I should have.”
“Never mind, what matters is you’re back now.” Dorian happilyreturned the affection. “Welcome home, mate.”
“It’s good to be here.” Tensing at the sound of approachingfootsteps, Crispin straightened just in time to come face to facewith Kell’s frown.
“Kelley, Crispin’s home!” Becky announced excitedly.
Kell crossedthe space in three easy steps and grasped Crispin by the shoulders,staring him down. “Well, it’s about freaking time, you bloodybastard.”
What a sightfor sore eyes, Kell was with his jet black hair, blood red streaks,scowl and all. “Forgive me?” Crispin said with a playful smile. Ofall his housemates, he owed his gratitude first and foremost toKell. If not for having met Kell all those years ago, Crispindidn’t know what would have become of him. If not for hisfriendship, he would have been lost. He would never have come tolive at the House of Goths.
“For ruining my spring break?” Kell asked, after sharing amoment of mutual appreciation. With a laugh, he tugged him
