Page 89 of Craig

"Good."

"Are you going to be like this all night?"

Tossing the towel in the vicinity of the sofa, he went to the armoire. "Like what?"

Pulling out a drawer, he selected a pair of old sweatpants.

"Like a jerk."

"Let's see." He pretended to consider.

"I think so, yes." Pulling on a T-shirt, he came to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I'm going to find him and have a long overdue talk."

Chapter 14

She felt her heart lurching at the fierce look on his face and knew exactly what he had in mind.

“You don’t have to-”

“Oh yes. I have to. Did he have time to say where he’s staying? I’m assuming he doesn’t live here?”

“No. Look-” She started to reach out to touch him, but he drew back. “It’s my concern-” She stopped when his face went to ice.

“I didn’t mean-”

“Yes you did, but we’ll table that for now. I’m in love with you. As a matter of fact, it has gotten past that point. You’re my life, the heart of me.”

“I see from the terrified expression on your face that’s not something you want to hear. That’s tough, and you’re going to have to suck it up. We’re going to go to a chapel, or better yet, fly to Vegas to make us legally married. I want you as my wife, the mother of my children, eventually.”

His hand snaked out to grip hers when she started to shift away.

“I also know that’s not something you don’t want to hear either, but that’s fact, and I’m not taking no for an answer. He hurt you, and I’m going to find him and convince him that’s not going to happen again.”

Her hand fluttered in his and she could feel panic settling in.

“I’m not good at this. I’m not good marriage material. You’ll only get hurt. I can’t-”

“You’re letting that bastard define who you are.” His hand squeezed hers, none too gently.

“I know you. I’ve seen you with others. You’re tough and vulnerable at the same time. You care. You made my grandfather into a different person.

“I’m onto you, darling. And you cannot deny that you love me. You show me every time you’re with me. Something else.”

His expression turned ominous.

“I’m your first call. Period.

“I know Dylan is your brother and you’re close to each other, but I’m the man who loves you and will be protecting you, whether you want it or not. I want to be your best friend, not just your lover, but the one you call if there’s something wrong, if you have a flat, if you’re not feeling well, if the goddamned house is on fire. I want to be the one. Am I clear?”

She simply stared at him for a few pulsing minutes before switching her gaze to something over his left shoulder.

He waited her out. He was good at that, she realized.

He was also good at making her feel. Of course, she was in love with him.

She was past the point of denying it to herself. But a real marriage?