We opted for a circular cushioned bench to place in the center of the room, with a rose gold fabric covering. Matching chairs were chosen for the dressing area, and the mirrors were large, and ornate with rose gold trim. We kept the curtains light, and airy, and had custom throw cushions made for the center bench.
It was Morgan's idea to have benches behind the register, so we chose wrought iron. The contrasts between the soft, hard, black, and white were absolutely stunning, and a few hours later we had every element of design taken care of including the clothing racks.
The jewelry stands, and mannequin busts had been ordered, and all that was left to do was wait. Most of the items would be delivered by the end of the week, and I couldn't wait to see the end result. Knowing that the clothing would be here around the same time took a big weight from my shoulders.
I had no idea that Mister Astor was going to push for so much so fast, but it seemed like everything was working out for the best. Suddenly all the worries that had been plaguing me didn't seem so serious. Things were finally falling into place, and I wasn't going to jinx it by kicking a gift horse in the mouth.
Since we spent the entirety of our day at the boutique, the two of us stopped to grab dinner on the way home. We thought about going into a restaurant, but the convenience of a drive through won out in the end. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes, which we ate on the drive back home because we couldn't wait another second.
I had never scarfed something down so fast, but I also hadn't eaten anything today. By the time we made it back to our place, my stomach was protesting the greasy burger but at least I wasn't hungry anymore. As I got closer to our parking space, I noticed a man standing beside a motorcycle in the space beside it.
I squinted my eyes, smiling when I realized that it was Owen. After shutting the ignition off, I climbed out to greet him with a kiss.
“Miss me?” He asked, as he ran his hands over my back.
“Maybe.” I teased. “New bike?”
“Old bike. Hard to believe but it was right where I left it. In the back of my dad's garage covered with a tarp. I thought for sure he'd have sold it.”
“I'll meet you upstairs.” Morgan said, giving us a little wave before heading towards the building.
“How was your day?” He asked.
“Surprisingly well.” I answered. “What about you? How's your dad?”
“Exactly as I remember.” He sighed. “He says he has some news to share with me tomorrow about the business.”
“Good news, or bad news?”
“I have a feeling it's the latter. Do uh- do you think you'd want to come with me tomorrow?”
“Of course I will.” I said, reaching up to touch his face. “Whatever you need.”
“I think I need you, Unicorn.”
“Do you want to come up?”
“I was hoping you'd rather go for a ride?”
My face lit up, and he leaned down to kiss my smile away.
“Let me just text Morgan.”
He helped me strap my helmet on, before climbing onto the bike. I got on behind him, and laced my fingers around his waist. I wasn't afraid of holding on this time. In fact I was looking forward to experiencing the same freedom I had the first time he took me on his bike. When the engine roared to life, I could feel the butterflies start to dance in my stomach. And when we pulled out onto the road I let my body melt against his.
If you had asked me six months ago if I thought I'd be getting tattoos, and riding on the back of a motorcycle I probably would have called you crazy. It's funny how quickly life can change. With just a blink of an eye my entire world changed. I used to be afraid of it. But now I was embracing it. Whatever life had to throw at me, I could handle it now. I was ready.
Once we pulled out onto the highway, Owen opened the throttle. I glanced around him watching the speedometer as we passed fifty, sixty, and then seventy miles per hour. I closed my eyes, and just like before the whole world fell away. It was just the two of us on the open road, ready to start another adventure together.
EIGHTEEN
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I woke to an empty bed. I ran my hand over the sheets and smiled, thinking about our drive last night. Owen, and I stayed out for most of the evening getting back to the apartment just after midnight. I stretched out across the bed, rolling onto my back. I could hear the faint sound of laughter coming from the kitchen, and I arched my brow curiously.
I made quick work of brushing my teeth, and finger combing my hair before heading out to investigate. When I rounded the corner I saw Morgan, and Owen making breakfast. He was laughing as she attempted to flip what appeared to be a pancake, but I couldn't be sure. If I was being honest It looked more like a blob of goop.
“What's all this?” I asked, as I adjusted my robe over my chest.
“It was supposed to be breakfast in bed.” Owen said, as he came to meet me.
He pulled me into his arms then, and gave me a soft sweet kiss. Morgan pretended to gag, and I laughed making our teeth clink together.
“Ouch.” He laughed, as he pulled away from me.
“I wanted to do something nice for you, but apparently I can't cook.” Morgan sighed, as she set the spatula down onto the counter.
“Didn't you know that already?” I teased, as I came to stand beside her.
I
