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The words sound preposterous as I say them, but it’s the only explanation I can come up with.

“I did. I wanted to commemorate the start of our relationship at the very place we first met.”

“Ohmigod. You didn’t need to rent the whole place out for that!”

“Need? No. Want? Yes.”

“But it must have cost—”

Cullen places a quick kiss on my lips, swallowing my protests.

“What have I told you, Verity? To me, you are priceless. Any money I spend on you is insignificant because there is not a number I could come up with that would amount to how much your time is worth to me.”

I want to argue, but my soul is dripping from the honeyed sweetness of his words laving over me.

“How do you always find a way to make me feel like I’m the only person in your universe?”

“Because I care about you and know that you deserve the entire world, not just bits and pieces.”

“I haven’t even agreed to be your girlfriend again.”

“You agreed once, and—might I remind you—I never consented to our breakup. In my mind, you’ve always been mine.”

I want to give myself over to Cullen. I want to be his wholly. Yes, I’m scared of being totally consumed by him, but I’m also alight with the idea.

“Hi, I’m Janice, and I’ll be your server this evening. These are your two starter cocktails.” A petite girl with a bob places two intricate drinks before us. “The Cornerstar Toast is on the left, and The Railspun is on the right. I just want to congratulate you on your anniversary, and please let me know if there is anythingelse you need at all. The chef has your set course in the works, and the appetizer will be out shortly.”

“It’s all perfect, nothing else needed. Thank you, Janice.”

Cullen gives her a nod and she leaves.

He picks up the Nick and Nora glass before him, swirling the amber drink, which has a smoking cinnamon stick and dried orange slice garnishing it.

I, however, am still stuck on a particular word from the server.

“Anniversary?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CULLEN

“Ah, you caught that, did you?”

“Hard not to. We are the only people here.” There’s a little sass in her voice, and it brings light to my chest.

This past week has been everything I wanted. Each day that passed, she spoke to me more and more until we finally hit the same rhythm we’d been in before Celine came in and threw it all into a volcano. Having my girl back has the world feeling right again.

“When I called to rent the place out, I needed to give them a reason. Anniversary felt the most fitting.”

“Cullen, seriously.”

“If you want to get technical, it is our seven-week anniversary since meeting, give or take a few days.”

“A seven-week anniversary celebration? You’re ridiculous.”

“Charming is the word you’re looking for.”

Her lips purse as she tries to keep herself from agreeing with my statement.