A/N: Hope everyone is having a great summer, mine has been a whirlwind! Thank you for all the love you shower on this story, it means more to me than any of you could ever realize! Enjoy this update, xo

***

Dakota has been in Vancouver for ten godforsaken days. I can't believe I've survived this long without going to her. Evelyn's done her best to keep me grounded and focused on not fucking this up for us, but she's not going to hold me back any longer. I miss my beautiful girl.

I tap my foot against the floor of an exclusive restaurant on Sunset. I'm waiting for Mel who is surprisingly two minutes late, not her usual. Her friend owns this place, and she assured me we'd be able to dine in peace. I'd called her to meet up so I could apologize face-to-face for how I'd acted at our engagement cookout. I've been kicking myself since I told her sorry over the phone the day after Dakota left. It didn't feel right to apologize on a call to someone who means a great deal to me. Plus, I'm low on company in LA, aside from lunch with Eddie when he was in town, so getting out of the house will do me good.

"Honey, I'm so sorry," I hear Mel say before I see her rushing towards me.

I stand to embrace her in a tight hug. "No worries."

"Couldn't get my sister off the phone. She's excited about a new exhibit she'll be part of."

I usher her to her chair, sitting back down where I was. "Your apology is unnecessary."

She smiles warmly at me. "You found the place okay? No problems getting in?"

I look around the dining area where the only other company we share is with a long table of older men who look like they've been out golfing.

"Perfectly fine, yeah. Your friend has a lovely restaurant."

"He's an old friend of Antonio's actually, but I still claim him. It's quiet this time of day, but they'll be shoulder to shoulder later. That's why I wanted us to meet now. You could've come to the house."

I shrug. "It's nice to be out in public like a normal human."

She chuckles, pouring herself a glass of wine from a bottle that was served to me by her friend on the promise it was her favorite. "You want to be where the people are, I can relate. It can be a suffocating lifestyle. You'll never truly live publicly. You just adjust the places you go and meet people who help you avoid the paparazzi or fan infested nights out."

"I'll drink to that," I say. We tap our glasses together and take a sip. "What's their best dish?"

She doesn't even open her menu as she responds. "Oh goodness, everything. Let's share a few small plates, and you absolutely must try Roberto's tiramisu. Best I've ever had outside of Italy."

I smirk. "Works for me."

***

Mel and I split piadina with fontina and prosciutto, tomato bruschetta, fried calamari, and stuffed mushrooms. Everything has been exceptional, and I will be bringing Dakota here on date night soon.

I wipe my mouth before speaking. "Aside from getting out of the house, I wanted to meet and apologize in person for my behavior."

She wrinkles her forehead slightly. "For what, darling?"

"I didn't mean to be guarded and quiet the night of our engagement cookout. I'm sorry if I upset you or Jesse or anyone else. It wasn't my intention."

"Goodness, that's in the past. You didn't owe me anything to begin with. No one is perfect, and this family doesn't expect you to be. You love our Coqui and that's all we care about. At the end of the day we know you're treating her like a queen."

I nod. "I do my best. I owe her every star in the galaxy for what I've put her through. But I was off that night, and we should've rescheduled so you didn't have to see me like that."

She looks down at her glass, bringing her gaze back up to mine. "It's hard not having both our families together. Trust I understand that to some degree. I won't say I know exactly how you feel, but you're not alone."

"It's just..." I trail off, trying to maintain control over my emotions. "I wish my mum were here for all of this."

"Oh, sweetheart." Mel cups the back of my hand that's resting on the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I wish that too, as does Dakota."

I scratch my beard with my free hand. "God, she would've adored her. They have a lot in common. And maybe that scares me a bit."

"You shouldn't fear fate, sweet boy. A mother's love lasts forever, and you and I both know she's proud of the man you've become. She'll be your protector for the rest of your life."

I nod. "I believe that. But it's still frightening. I don't want to fuck it up."

"You will sometimes," she pats my hand before letting go. "That's life. You'll mess up, Dakota will mess up, your kids will mess up, I'll probably mess something up for the both of you."

We share a laugh.

"You have to cut yourself some slack though. Mess up. Get it out of the way then forgive yourself and each other. Dakota's never going anywhere, I promise. You will always have one another to navigate through the rough waters. And you never owe me an apology for having feelings, Jamie. You need to feel them. If you miss your mother then miss her. There's nothing or no one that says you're not allowed. It doesn't make you less of a man to be emotional when you need to, if anything it makes you stronger and more honorable. Do you pick Dakota up when she falls?"

"Of course," I answer immediately.

"Then let her pick you up, too. Welcome to marriage, my son-in-law. You're only going to survive it by meeting halfway. Don't worry about me or Jesse or anyone else. We aren't your priority. Whatever happens behind closed doors is yours and Dakota's to handle and work through. Deal?"

I chuckle. "Deal. You're always able to steer us back on track."

"It's what any mother would do for any child, her own or not. Dakota will be that for your family soon."

"She already is."

"But seriously, don't make me wait for grandkids."

"We won't." I snort as I eat the last couple of bites of my dessert. It was equally phenomenal as she promised.

"I'd like to ask," I say, swallowing my bite, "even if I do always seem to need something."

Mel waves her hand. "You know I've got your back. Please."

"It's a small favor."

She sips her drink before grinning. "You're going to Vancouver."

It isn't a question, but I nod anyway. "It's killing me."

"Yes, I'll take the granddog." She chuckles.

"Thank you. You're a lifesaver."

"Anything for you and Coqui. Remember that, okay?"

I raise my wine glass to hers and she clinks them together. "Always."

***

Dakota texted me when she was in her trailer, letting me know she'll be back at her hotel in thirty. Our good morning and goodnight calls are keeping the edge off of my depression over her being gone. I sit against the headboard of our bed as I count down the half hour. Zepp joins me, curling up in his mum's spot. He's missing her too.

I give her one extra minute before pressing her name in my phone. The FaceTime call connects and she appears a second later with a somber smile.

"Hi, baby," I say.

"Hi, handsome."

I can tell she's answered from her iPad that she has propped up in the kitchen of her hotel suite.

"How's it going?" I ask.

She holds up a bottle of wine she's uncorking. "Meh."

"Talk to me, tell me what's wrong."

She sighs. "I'm fine. Everything is okay. Still adjusting to the cadence of working and we're almost halfway finished."

As selfish and unreasonable as it is, I hate that I can't work with her on every project and protect her on set. I trust she knows how to handle herself and doesn't need me, but I can't help the desire I feel to defend her at all times.

"Want a distraction?" I wiggle my eyebrows. Despite being apart for ten days we've been having some great phone sex.

She snorts. "I wish I was in the mood tonight. I'm sorry, babe."

I tuck away my ego at her denial. "Don't be."

She takes a long sip of the wine she just poured and she leans on the counter to stare at me on the screen.

"I miss you," she says.

"And I of course miss you."

"We need some kind of pact that once we're public we don't take jobs at the same time so we can travel together."

I smirk. "We'll do the best we can. I promise. I don't want to be apart as much as you don't."

"Then come here." She shrugs.

"Don't tempt me."

She sits at a barstool, turning the iPad to follow her path. I watch as she rests her head on her palm and closes her eyes.

"Dakota, what's wrong? Something's bothering you."

She takes another swig. "I just didn't have a good day. I was off in almost every scene. Whatever. I need sleep."

"Then I'll let you go so you can sleep."

"No," she argues. "I don't want that either. I can't fucking rest because we're apart, and then I have a bad day and the only person I want to see is you, but we have to do that through a screen."

"Baby, I'm here for you even if I'm not there. Keep me on the line all night if you need. I don't mind. I hate this distance too, but we can do this."

"Can we?" She rubs her temple. "Now that you're free we still aren't fucking free. I want you, Jamie. All the time. I want us to be a couple. We're engaged and not even together!"

She's frustrated and it's building up. I don't know what to say that'll soothe her over the phone.

"I know, baby. I'm sick of the bloody hiding too. But all that matters is how strong our bond is because of it. Unbreakable. And I wish I could kiss it better in person. I'm sorry our timing is off."

"It'll all be over soon enough. We'll be married and no one on Earth will be able to keep me away from you."

I smirk. "Now that's what I want to hear."

She nods, gazing at me. "What have you been up to?"

"Eddie was in town for a few days, so we met for lunch. I've been stir crazy at the house. As you can imagine."

I don't tell her I also met her mum. I'll ease that in later. Or maybe I'll surprise her again. I haven't decided.

"Mr. Can't Sit Still," she says, smiling. "Did you tell him we're..."

"No. He knows we live together is all."

"Okay. Eddie is such a sweetheart." She takes a sip of her wine.

"He said Hannah is quite anxious to double date, so we need to hurry it up."

She snorts. "Hannah is just as lovely. I'd enjoy spending an evening with them."

"We will, baby. I'd love that."

She whimpers, but doesn't say anything for a long moment. "God, I'd do anything to be in your arms right now."

My heart constricts. It's a simple fucking request. Evelyn's been overprotective for no reason. Dakota and I hid better than most in Vancouver, and we'll do it again.

"I want that too," I whisper, missing the feel of her warm naked skin against mine every night in bed.

"I just need an orgasm." She laughs and downs the rest of her wine.

"I could give you one from afar," I offer again.

"My sour mood would ruin it. Maybe tomorrow, babe."

I nod. "Okay. Tomorrow. Do you want me to stay on the phone for a while?"

She smirks and it's the first genuinely happy expression she's given me this entire conversation. "I'll be fine. Thank you though. Give Zepp lots of cuddles for me. He loves spending time with Daddy."

"Maybe." I laugh as he perks up at his name and the butterflies perk up in my stomach at her nickname. "I love you."

She shows me her engagement ring, which she must be wearing in her private time. My heart leaps. "I love you more."

I blow her a kiss before ending the call. I pull my wallet free from my back pocket and retrieve my frequent flyer card, firing up my laptop.

***

I bite the edge of my thumbnail as Vancouver passes me by through the back passenger seat. I've flown under the radar so far, and the driver taking me to Dakota's hotel is going to drop me off in the parking garage to assure I'm not seen. Luckily I was able to get in touch with Dakota's assistant who told me her room number, promising not to breathe a word, but to have Dakota back at the hotel in time for my arrival.

I check my watch—perfect timing. The moment the SUV stops by the elevator, I hop out with my backpack and pass the driver a hefty tip for his cooperation. I slip into the elevator and press the number for her floor, praying that no one joins me in the ascent. The elevator glides past the lobby level and I'm home free. Now I'll just have to keep myself locked in her suite until my flight to London in a few days. I don't imagine that being a difficult task for either of us.

When the elevator dings, I step out into the corridor and check for any dwellers. The hallway is completely empty. I have to stop myself from sprinting to her door to kick it down.

Taking a deep breath once I approach, I knock three times, covering the peephole with my finger. I hope Mollie was able to get her here on time or this entire surprise will be ruined when she sees me sitting outside her hotel door.

After a few painstakingly slow seconds, Dakota opens it and her mouth drops. "Jamie."

"Dakota," I mimic.

"You..." she trails off, blinking as her eyes fall over my frame to ensure she hasn't dreamed me into life. "You're here."

"For you." I can't resist her any longer. I tackle her, gripping her face between my hands as my lips crush hers.

She stumbles, but I catch her, and kick the door closed behind me. I nudge her and she takes the hint, jumping in my arms.

I break our kiss to carry her to the bedroom. She tangles her fingers in my hair as she nips a path up my neck. This passion between us never needs an interlude. We're always ready.

I toss her down on the mattress and she giggles with a bounce.

"Not even a hello?" She bites her bottom lip.

"We haven't had sex in ten days. You want to talk first?" I raise an eyebrow.

"You're right. Fuck me."

I grin, tugging my shirt over my head and throwing it across the room.

She sways her legs back and forth as she watches me undo my jeans, sliding them and my boxers off. I need her. Now.

"God, I've missed my fiancée," I say.

"Mmm, fiancé." She sits up, and before I can stop her she's wrapped her soft hand around my dick.

I tremble, it feels like forever since I've had her. "Baby..."

She bends down to kiss the tip of my length before stroking it. "How bad did you miss me?"

I smirk. "Can't you tell?"

She licks the precum with a nod. "Ready so soon."

"I don't want to come in your mouth. I flew all the way here for you."

"Then take me." She pumps me twice more before breaking her grip to remove her own clothes. I let her strip off her shirt and bra before I intervene.

"Lay back. I'll handle the rest."

She giggles, doing as I've asked, propping herself up with a pillow.

I undo the button and zipper on her jeans, linking my thumb under both them and her panties. She lifts her hips to help me shimmy them down her long legs. The legs I've wanted wrapped around my neck for ten days. Finally I can make those dirty dreams a reality.

I crawl between them and up her frame, my lips finding her hardened nipple and sucking it harshly. She arches into my mouth as I swirl my tongue and tug it before moving to her other.

"You taste so sweet, baby." I kiss and lick my way down her stomach as it quivers in anticipation. She parts her legs when I move further south.

I press a hard kiss to her mound, our eyes meeting. She smells like fresh flowers and I want to drown myself in her meadow.

She watches me as I lick a line all the way up her center. She gasps, tangling her fingers in my hair.

"How do you want to come?" I ask.

"I don't care. I just want to. Please, Jamie."

"Then I'll fuck you with my mouth before I fuck you how I need."

She groans long and low, so I take that as my cue. She arches off the bed when I suck on her clit.

"Yesss," she breathes. "Like that."

I wrap my arms around her thighs and press her belly down to keep her in place. She tries to writhe anyway as I tug on her folds.

"I can't go ten more days," I say against her wet core, licking and sucking a path up her pubic bone. I nibble on the inside of her thigh and she attempts to roll her hips against my face.

"I can't go ten more seconds. Your perfect mouth." She tugs my hair roughly and this ignites me further.

I'm like a starving animal as I devour her. She moans and gasps and her grip on my scalp tightens.

"Come for me," I beg. And if she doesn't I'm going to embarrassingly release all over the bed before I can have her.

I go to work on her clit and she screams out the most glorious version of my name that'll surely have the front desk calling about a noise complaint.

Before she has time to come down, I pull her to the edge of the bed and plunge inside her to ride her through her orgasm.

She is bent in half on the bed, gripping the sheets as her walls throb around my dick.

"Shit, you feel amazing."

"Please," she begs for another release and I'm going to give it to her.

I grab her ankle and make my fantasy come true as I angle her to the side and set her leg on my shoulder. As soon as her first orgasm fades I begin to feel her second one building and I know I won't let her sleep tonight. I need a dozen of these to get me through and make up for lost time.

"I can't," she moans.

"Baby, I need it." I reach between us to thumb her bud that I know is ultra sensitive now.

She mewls, and I actually think she's going to cry when she finally tightens again.

"Oh fuck, Jamie!" Her entire body shakes as she detonates around me.

I see stars when her walls milk me of my own orgasm. And I fill her to the hilt, letting her have every single ounce that I've held onto. She has all of me.

I release her gently and she collapses onto the mattress. I crawl up to lay beside her, stroking her sweaty cheek as she comes down.

We're both heavy breathing and sticky, attempting to regulate ourselves after some explosive I-missed-you sex.

"I don't think I'll be able to walk tomorrow," she mumbles.

"Was I that rough?" I kiss her temple.

She grins. "No, I just want to do that over and over again."

I laugh. "In that case, neither of us will be able to walk tomorrow."

"I've missed you so much." She rolls over to cup my cheek. "I hate sleeping alone and not having a dinner date or someone to talk to until I fall asleep or morning wood that pokes me in the back first thing every day."

We share a chuckle and I can't resist a soft peck to her lips.

"All of that and more, gorgeous. Zepp and I are quite lonely."

Her eyes widen. "Who has Zepp?"

"Mel."

"Mom is always in on your surprises."

"She gets me." I wink. "But seriously. I can't believe I had to give you up for a month right after our engagement."

"Life always has jokes for us. It's been hard. I don't want to be here and I think everyone knows it. But I'm a professional. I'll finish and then I'll be home with you, planning our wedding."

My heart begins racing at the thought of us reading through bridal magazines naked, having sex between decisions, and enjoy being engaged to our fate.

"I'm staying for a few days," I tell her. "Then I need to go see the girls again. It'll help keep my mind off missing you."

"Promise to FaceTime, so I can see them too." She rests her cheek on my chest and I kiss the top of her head.

"Of course, darlin'. I can't go a day without seeing you, and the girls love their Kota."

Her fingers trace my abs one at a time as she drags them up my sternum to play with my chest hair. She leaves dozens of kisses across my skin and I feel cherished.

"Did I mention how much I missed you?" she mumbles. She nuzzles my neck, inhaling a deep breath. "The smell of my man. Your skin against mine. These delectable muscles. An accent that makes my toes curl."

I twirl her hair around my finger with a laugh, kissing the top of her head again. "I missed you more, baby. It's hard to sleep without you, much less think straight or breathe."

She cuddles me even closer. "Please don't leave."

"Shh. Not anytime soon."

"You're so warm," she mutters. She has herself cocooned around me, and I feel like the real me again. Whatever magic she possesses has set me straight. I can take on the world with her in my arms.

"How's work?" I ask, attempting to keep her awake.

"Blah." She rolls her hand back and forth as a so-so.

"What does that mean?"

She shrugs. "I don't vibe with everyone like I have in past jobs. I adored working with Leslie and Rebel. You and I always had a laugh. No one thinks I'm funny except Hemsworth, but he's an Aussie. Maybe I'm only funny to foreigners."

We share a chuckle at that.

"I will always find you funny, baby. As long as everyone is respecting your boundaries then I won't worry too much."

"Everyone's great. My mind is just elsewhere."

"Where is it?" I stroke her back. "Take me there."

"Wedding planning." She kisses my shoulder.

"Care to show me?"

She snorts. "It's all in my head, babe. You at the end of the aisle, that's all I envision. Everything else will fade into the background."

I kiss her lips when she sits up to look at me. "I'm sure you envision more."

Her cheeks blush. "Strings of lights over the tables. Rustic little lanterns. Flowers upon flowers. Pastel peaches and mints and lavenders."

I know I can't see things the same way her beautiful mind can, but I try. I want to picture it for her and make those dreams a reality.

"Sounds stunning, baby," I say.

"Dulcie and Elva dancing on the wooden floor, tossing petals in the air. Sparklers. A chocolate fountain—"

I interrupt. "That we can bring back to the hotel, and I can dribble on your naked body."

I'm blessed with a full Dakota belly laugh at that. God, I've missed that sound and being the reason for it.

"I see we have different goals in mind."

I raise an eyebrow. "Do we? I feel like both our goals come together to form an ultimate goal at the end of the night."

"And what's that? A wedding baby?"

I swallow audibly and she giggles. "I mean, according to Mel we're on a time limit."

Dakota shakes her head. "We'll do what feels right for us. The wedding, babies, Colorado."

I need to get to work on the Colorado plan somehow. Someone in her family and friends has to be able to get us property there. If I have to work a dozen jobs and build her dream house from the ground up, I will. Just like by some miracle I'll make our wedding day the greatest day of her life. Until we have kids.

"Listen to you," I say, "you sound like a different woman. Engagement has changed you."

"No, you have. In all the best ways, and I'm ready to live our best lives sooner not later."

"I'm down with any and all of your plans." I peck her nose.

She bites her bottom lip. "Think right now you can get up?"

I understand the inflection in her voice. "I can rise to your occasion."

"Good," she says with a grin. "I could use another dose." She straddles my hips as she slides hers down to my length. I lick my dry mouth and she grinds against me, this time taking me on her terms.

***

Well? I don't think any of us are surprised that Jamie surprised Dakota in Vancouver ;) he missed his bride-to-be! Please don't forget to vote and/or drop me a line with your thoughts. I always read every single one and they also help my story get ranked and noticed on Wattpad! Thanks a million times over!