Daniel quickly lathered and rinsed his body. He dried off and wrapped the towel loosely around his waist.

“Hey baby, I hope you’re ready for me,” he said as he entered the bedroom.

There on the bed lay Sabrina, sprawled out, and sound asleep.

He smiled despite his disappointment, his heart full of affection for her. Sabrina was exhausted and needed to rest.

Daniel dropped his towel, hung it over a chair and climbed into bed with her. For tonight, he’d just have to settle for holding her in his arms.

He couldn’t imagine ever being with anybody else again but Sabrina. She was his dream come true, the only woman who warmed his heart and ignited his cock at the same time. He loved and desired her more than any other woman he’d ever met.

“I love you,” he whispered, placing a kiss against her temple, then spooned her and closed his eyes.

4

Fully dressed in his expensive Armani suit and silk tie, Daniel emerged from the bathroom. Even though Sabrina had been in his arms all night, he hadn’t slept well. Helping her with the move the previous day had brought reality home: Sabrina had given up everything for him, yet he hadn’t given her anything in return.

As soon as this latest deal was finalized, he would make it up to her. In fact, he’d take her away for a couple of days so they could spend time alone. And he’d be sure to take her someplace where there was nothing else to do but stay in bed. Maybe someplace cold. Yes, he could book a room with a fireplace and make love to her in front of it.

Walking quietly back into the bedroom, he was surprised to see Sabrina sitting up in bed, wide awake.

“Hey baby.” He smiled as he walked toward her. “What are you doing up so early?”

“I rolled over and you were gone.” She frowned then ran her eyes over his suit. “You’re leaving for the office again?”

“I have to. I’m close to finishing this deal. And I’ve worked so hard on this. I can’t let things slide now.” He kneeled on the edge of the bed and kissed her forehead.

“I’ve been in New York for a week, and I’ve barely seen you. I don’t have a job to keep me busy like you. It gets old exploring the city on your own.” Sabrina pushed the blankets off her and got out of bed.

Daniel watched as Sabrina paced toward the closet, opened the doors, and aimlessly searched for something to wear. He sighed. In his business, he traveled a lot, often staying away for weeks at a time. He knew firsthand what it was like to be in a new city and not know anyone. Sabrina had given up everything to move to New York with him and what had he done in return? The same thing he’d done with every girlfriend he’d ever had: he’d neglected her by spending more time at the office than with her. It was something he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do again, not with her. He wouldn’t make the same mistakes twice. Sabrina deserved better.

He stood and walked up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her stomach and resting his chin on her shoulder, he said, “I’m sorry.”

Sabrina turned in his arms and faced him. “I miss you, Daniel. I miss us.”

“So do I.” He pulled her closer and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. “Just a couple more weeks, Sabrina, and then this deal will be finished and I’ll—”

“A couple more weeks?” She attempted to wiggle out of his arms, but he held her firm.

“Sabrina.” Finally, she stopped struggling to get away from him. “I’m sorry I’m not here more. But please, I need you to understand how important this deal is.”

“I do understand. Really. But I thought I was important to you, too.”

He closed his eyes for a brief moment. “You are. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

“Couldn’t you just take one day off and spend it with me? You worked all weekend. Aren’t you tired of work sometimes?” Her eyes pleaded with him.

Daniel drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was right. He worked too much. Maybe this was just what he needed: a day with her, a day away from the office.

“Good. I’ll take today off.”

She threw her arms around him and squealed with delight. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” She kissed him. “This will be so great! I can’t wait to see the city with you instead of on my own!”

His lips curved up into a smile. “You want me to take you sightseeing?”

“Yes.” She laughed. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head, the smile never leaving his face.