“You weren’t happy the last time I saw you,” she mumbled.
He folded his arms, releasing a sigh, wanting to peel off his skin again but this time for the way he’d reacted to the news. “I was blindsided, Lory. Cut me some slack.”
“We’re arguing.”
And they were drawing a crowd, rubberneckers slowing to eavesdrop. “We have a lot to say to each other. Can I have the keys, please?”
She pulled them out of her pocketbook and slapped them in his open palm.
He took her backpack, too. “Ready?”
She pouted.
He cradled her face and kissed her deep. “It’s damn good to see you.”
Tears were poised in the corners of her eyes, ready to spill.
He tugged her hand, wanting to get out of there ASAP. “Where are you parked?”
“Follow me.” She eased to her feet and led him to the exit.
Ten minutes later, they were pulling out of the airport and heading into town.
“You missed the turnoff.” Lory’s head twisted as she pointed at the side road heading south.
“Yep.”
“We’re not going home?”
“Nope. I booked us a room at The Fairview Inn.”
A huge smile overtook her face. “Really?”
“Really.”
Her dimpled grin was worth every penny.
He rested his hand on her thigh for the remainder of the ride, needing the contact and the reassurance that she was there with him.
He took pleasure in the fact that she leaned forward as the inn came into view, her eyes staring in wonder. The sprawling white building with its proud columns and French windows oozed class while keeping true to its historical significance.
Knowing she was tired, Anton hustled to check in before finding their room and opening the door for her to enter.
“Oh, wow. It’s beautiful,” she cooed.
Yes, it was. A carved wooden bed invited them to stay the night. In the corner, a reading nook featured a black leather wingback chair, daring any booklover to resist its charm. And the kicker—an open fireplace.
Damn, I’m good.
“Why don’t you have a shower while I light the fire?” He took off his jacket.
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” She stripped off her coat and boots before disappearing into the bathroom.
He stacked the kindling, waiting for it to catch before adding the larger pieces. It was crackling nicely by the time she emerged wearing the complimentary robe.
“Are you having one?”
“I showered before I left.” He sidled over to her, scooped his arms behind her back and knees, and lifted her in his hold.
She shrieked, grabbing his shoulders.
“Screamer.” Pecking her on the mouth, he deposited her on the bed. “Do you need to eat? Drink?”
“I could use some water.”
After searching the bar fridge, he found a bottle and handed it to her.
“Thank you.”
Lying beside her, he propped himself up on one elbow. The lump that had been trapped in his throat since she’d left, layered his tongue with gravity. “Why’d you go runnin’ off to Grey?” He focused on the pulse in her neck, unable to meet her eyes. “Am I just a consolation prize? Do you still feel somethin’ for him?”
Her hands flew to cover her face. “No! I knew it was stupid the minute I got there. Before I’d even seen him,” she groaned as she slapped her hands on the bed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone.”
His lungs deflated. Thank fuck. Tension seeped out of his shoulders and he flopped his head onto the pillow. Could he really blame her for wanting to get away from him after his catatonic response? Especially since he’d stupidly been keeping their relationship under wraps? “I’m sorry, too.” The fire hissed and popped as the silence between them stretched. He searched her eyes, finding remorse and a whole lot of love. “I forgive you. Please don’t do it again.”
“I won’t. What I felt for him was infatuation. I looked to him as my guide because he always made the decisions.”
“You don’t need anyone to choose for you.”
“I know.”
“But when something involves the both of us . . .” He spread his fingers over her belly. “. . . the three of us, we need to sort it out together.”
She nodded, placing her hand on top of his.
Curling on her side, she wrapped an arm around his back, and spoke into his chest. “You won’t leave me, will you, Toni?”
“Is that what you thought? That I would knock you up and abandon you to go it alone?”
Her eyes slid away, as her cheeks flushed. “It sounds stupid when you say it.”
Oh, silly girl. He pressed his lips into her hair, breathing in her sweet apple scent. A balm to the jealousy he harbored towards his brother. A shot of adrenaline to speed up his heart. “No, sweetheart. Never.” I will never be able to tear myself away from you. “Now might be a good time to give you your Christmas present.”
“I forgot! Merry Christmas for yesterday.” She stretched for a kiss.
“Wait.” He left her for a moment to dig through his jacket pocket and hid the gift behind his back before resuming his position. “Merry Christmas.” He placed the velvet box in her palm, watching her eyes peel wide as she opened it. “Marry me?”
Jaw dropping, her breath rushed out. “Is this the present you bought last week?”
“Yeah.”
“But. . . isn’t it too soon?” She gnawed on her bottom lip, worry creasing her brow.
“Time has nothin’ to do with it. When you know, you know. Unless. . . you don’t.” He resisted a smirk, his heart full with confidence that she was all his.
“What? Yes! Yes, I do. I will. Are you kidding?”
“Not about something so important, no.” Now, he did smirk.
She rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you drive me nuts. Shut up and kiss me.”
No
