by Jill Monroe
She watched him tense as he looked her way. That familiar tight ache she felt in her throat whenever she thought of him slammed into her with a vengeance. A million questions appeared and evaporated in her mind.
He was at her side in five long strides. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “Is there something wrong with the book?”
Ian shook his head. “I came for you.”
She blinked. “But what about those things you said? You’re the risk taker. How you live to be in the danger zone, and there’s no place for—”
He grasped her hands. Were his hands actually shaking? “I don’t need that rush anymore. I’ve discovered a way to feel alive without risking my neck.”
She forced herself to be still. Stay calm. Don’t give in to the hope. “What’s that?”
“Being with you. I love you, Ava.”
She closed her eyes tightly as he spoke, savoring his words.
“I’ve been miserable without you.”
His fingers curled around her chin and her lids opened. His smile wasn’t as bright. His eyes no longer so hopeful. “Do you need help with how a twenty-first-century woman responds to a man who tells her he loves her?”
She shook her head. “No, I think I have that covered. I love you, too.”
He hauled her to his chest, his strong arms surrounding her. Making her feel loved. She glanced up at him. “But where will you work? What will you do?”
“Don’t worry about it. In fact, I think I found the perfect setting for my next assignment.”
“Where?”
“Anywhere you are, if that works for you. This cold, beautiful place is the perfect setting for a project I had in mind. I’ve come to really enjoy exploring cultures and documenting courtship rituals. Together. If you want me.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” she said, her voice taking on a teasing quality. “I think we’re going to have to discuss this decision-making process. Set down some ground rules. You know what ground rules are?”
His lips twisted. “I’m familiar with the concept.”
“In fact, we can settle this the old-fashioned way. The Swedes have a very interesting custom. Instead of the father giving his daughter away, the bride and groom arrive at the church together. Whoever enters first, that’s the person who’ll be the decision maker.”
“The chapel down that hallway?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Hey,” she called, when all she could see was Ian’s retreating back. He was trying to get a head start. The cheater.
“You know it won’t count because we haven’t filled out any of the paperwork,” she said when she caught up to him at the entrance of the ice chapel.
Ian looked at Ava and smiled. “Always trying to catch me on a technicality…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Then he reached for her and brought her into his arms and they crossed the threshold into the church together.
HARLEQUIN BOOKS
ISBN: 978-1-4592-1447-7
Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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LORD OF RAGE
Copyright © 2011 by Jill Floyd
PRIMAL INSTINCTS
Copyright © 2008 by Jill Floyd
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* Royal House of Shadows