I still hadn't been in her bed. I felt I owed her a lot for taking care of Wendy and Roger when I was away so I didn't push for more.I had made up my ...ind this was going to change as soon as Maria left. After all, Merry had gained much from her association with me. I paid her well and she was paying for Gerry's higher education. When he moved off campus though, I picked up the tab for his quarters. I put it from my mind and started grilling the steak and chicken.Maria and I had a few minutes. " Oh. Dessert? What exactly?" You." Oh." Mel, you can do better than 'oh'." Oh. Upstairs? Or somewhere else?" Can I surprise you?" Sure Mark." He was the most romantic man around. I knew he'd come up with something good. I watched as he lifted his hand and seemed to punch his fingers at an imaginary menu, like a man pushing an elevator button in the old days. I knew he could see a list of choices in front of him though, so I left him to it.He looked back at me after a few seconds. "Ready my. ‘You’re so stupid!’ I laughed and I pushed him sideways. He pushed me back, we were laughing so hard shoving each other. I shoved him so hard he fell to the floor and lay there giggling. Before I knew it he had pulled me down with him and we were lying there struggling to breathe with laughter! After taking a moment to catch our breaths back we were surrounded with silence. Joseph turned to me and smiled, and I smiled back – it was a special moment. I’d never realised how special he made me. I want you to be safe and happy, that's all. Even if it means leaving my comfort zone." I understand. I thought I could be all modern and openminded. I can't. I want YOU. I don't want to share that part of us." I'm glad. I don't know how I could've reconciled it to my own mind. I changed when I said I love you."I know he means it.Up to this point I've been kneeling, facing him. A thought crosses my mind. I raise a knee and toss it over him so I'm straddling him. I know what this does, and.