Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 473

Owen gazed down at the object of his affection, unable to resist the urge to press his lips against her rosy ones. He had missed her terribly.

Cecilia didn’t push him away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, tiptoeing to fervently reciprocate his kiss. The waitress quickly ducked into the restroom. Better to give them privacy than to face an awkward moment later.

Cecilia’s rare enthusiasm sent Owen over the moon, his kisses becoming more insistent, until she had to gently push him away, though he still looked like a man yearning for more. Cecilia touched her lips, then teasingly poked his chest, “Are you ever going to get enough, or are you addicted now?”

Owen caught her finger, eyes brimming with passion, “You hardly ever respond with such fire. Can you blame me for getting hooked? Cecilia, when I was away on business, every spare moment was spent thinking of you, which is why I never allowed myself to stop, always working late into the night.”

“But at night, in my dreams, there you were, making me all sorts of delicious food, being so gentle with me, showering me with gifts, kissing me... and well, let's just say we did more than just kiss in those dreams.”

In his dreams, he had made love to her a million times over.

Cecilia was speechless.

“I was just about to order some takeout, want me to add something for you?”

Owen gave her a pitiful look, “Cecilia, I came straight to you, haven't even been home yet. Look at me, all travel-worn, tired and hungry. Can’t you treat me to a decent meal?”

Cecilia softened, “Alright, let’s go to the Pinehurst Hotel. Freshen up, change, then we can eat.”

Owen’s face lit up instantly. But Cecilia wasn’t done with him yet, her finger prodding his chest once more, this time in a scolding manner, “Look at the state of you! Do you think you're still a spring chicken, able to work nonstop without a break? What's more important than your health?”

“Starve, see if I care! Who told you to skip meals? Nothing is more important than eating. You need food to keep going.”

Owen didn’t take offense to the scolding; in fact, he was grinning ear to ear, so much so that Cecilia lost her irritation. He grabbed her hand again, pulling her close, “I’ve been rushing, working hard to cut my trip short, just to see you sooner. Cecilia, a single day apart feels like an eternity. It’s been a week—imagine how many eternities that is.”

Cecilia replied quietly, “...I missed you too, felt the pangs of longing.”

As they walked out together, Owen continued, “Really? You’re just saying that to make me happy. I was away for days, and you only called once to ask where I was, what I was up to.” There was a hint of hurt in his voice.

Cecilia sighed, “At first, when I asked, you said you were busy, so I didn’t want to bother you. You didn’t even tell me you were going away; I didn’t get the chance to see you off.” She was being considerate. She hadn’t realized he’d be gone for a week.

Owen ushered her into his car, following suit. “I hate goodbyes, and the trip was so sudden, I had to rush. Have you ever seen Ruby off at the airport?”

Owen fell silent. He had done more than just see Ruby off—he’d lingered, purchased expensive gifts for her to take to her family abroad. He was always the one driving her to the airport, picking her up upon her return. Maybe it was the frequency of their partings that made him less afraid of saying goodbye to Ruby—only a slight sense of loss and regret. His feelings for Cecilia were different.

After a pause, Cecilia spoke up, “Let’s not talk about her. You and she are history. From now on, you’re mine, Cecilia’s. Unless I say otherwise, you’re not allowed to look at other women!”

Owen vowed his loyalty swiftly, “With you in my life, no other woman can catch my eye. You are irreplaceable.” Even Ruby had been expelled from his heart, especially with Cecilia taking her place. He found his relationship with Cecilia more relaxed and joyful because his feelings were reciprocated.

Years of unrequited love with Ruby were wasted. Ruby’s regret meant nothing now. He had moved on, never to return to Ruby’s side.

Lucinda and Darlene exchanged knowing looks. It all made sense now. The old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. It had been a week since Owen and Cecilia had seen each other, and he couldn’t wait a moment longer to be with her upon his return. Cecilia might play tough, but her heart was set on Owen too.

The two of them needed some quiet time to reconnect.

“Lucy, did you need Cecilia for something?”

Lucinda chuckled, "No worries, I just popped in and found the place deserted, thought it was a bit odd. But now that I know Owen’s back, it all makes sense."

"Ring, ring, ring..."

Darlene's cell phone started to buzz. Fishing it out of her purse, she said, "Might be my sister."

But when she saw the caller ID, she shot Lucinda a quick glance. Lucinda wasn't staring at her, so she casually answered the call, saying, "Hey sis, I'm not coming home for lunch, I'm hanging out with Lucy. Uh-huh, uh-huh, got it, I'm a big girl, I can look after myself."

After affirming a few more times, she ended the call. Turning back to Lucinda, she said, "My sister treats me like a kid. Every time I step out, she has to call me a dozen times with a whole list of do's and don'ts."

In truth, the call had been from her right-hand assistant.

Lucinda grinned, "Ms. Bishop just cares about you, you know."