by Talia Hunter
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured. “You’ve made me rethink a few of my rules. The ‘no apologies’ one for starters.”
She stared into his eyes. She hadn’t drunk any champagne, but she had bubbles in her stomach as though she’d downed a whole bottle.
“And the one about not wanting a relationship,” he continued. “Just because I can’t stop bad things from happening, I’m not going to close myself off from good things. Like spending my life with you.” His hands ran down her arms. “I know you’re not sure, because you have no idea how incredible you are and how lucky any man would be to get to wake up with you each morning. But I intend to change your mind about that. I want to be with you. And if it takes me forever, I’m going to talk you into it. Wear you down, like Harrison did with Nancy.”
She felt her mouth drop open. He still thought she didn’t want to be with him?
He pushed her curls back from her face, brushing his fingers across her cheek. “I love you,” he said. “And I’ll tell you that every day until I change your mind about—”
“Iloveyoutoo.” It came out too fast, so it sounded like one word. She gulped down a breath and tried again. “I love you too.”
His crooked smile dawned over his face like the sun breaking over a brand new day. Then he pulled her close. His lips were soft against hers. Every minute of every day since they’d parted, she’d imagined kissing him. Now it was finally happening. And suddenly she was smiling against his mouth, her heart too big for her chest.
She wanted to laugh. Or to grab him and swing him around in circles. The way she felt, she could probably do it.
“Suzie,” he murmured, his hands on her face. “I want us to be together.”
“I do too.” Right now, she was ready to give up everything if it meant getting to kiss him some more. “I could go to New York.”
“Don’t do that. I signed a deal with the car people. We’re building a prototype here in LA.”
She blinked, wondering if she’d misunderstood. “You’re moving here?”
“Only until the research and development part of the process is done. Once we’re past the prototype stage, we’ll need to move to one of their manufacturing plants.” He grinned. “But we can cross that bridge when we come to it. See? My rules have changed.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “What else has changed? Have you rethought your no kids rule too?”
“How many do you want? Half a dozen?”
“I haven’t decided whether I want any yet.”
“Well, I definitely think six is too many. They wouldn’t fit in my car.”
The realization of what he was telling her was starting to fizz through her veins like fireworks. He wasn’t holding back on anything. He’d committed himself, and how could she feel like she wasn’t good enough for him, when he was looking at her like that?
Surely there had to be some catch. Life couldn’t get this good, could it? It was too much. A lump was forming in her throat and tears were rising.
When he kissed her again, she melted into him. Exploring his lips made her forget her tears. Made her forget everything except how good he felt. How right.
“I’ve missed you.” His hand was on the back of her neck, under her hair. The way he touched her sent shivers down her spine. “I was thinking we could pick out a nice place and move in together. Or we could move into your place. Not that I’ve seen it yet, but I’m sure it’s great. Or we could live here. Whatever you want.”
“Here?” She stepped back to take another look around. “This place?”
“If you want.” His lips twisted. “I rent it because thought I might need to work on you a little longer. You know, order a few more lunches.”
She frowned, the pieces finally clicking in her head. “You’re the client who ordered lunch. And you want me to eat it with you?”
“When I saw your menu, I couldn’t resist. I hope the calamari tastes just like the dish you made on the boat. And that salmon dish sounds incredible.”
“But there’s enough for thirty people.”
“You don’t accept orders for less.” He shrugged. “It was the only way to lure you up here. Otherwise, I was afraid you might not come.”
How could he think she wouldn’t want to see him? Didn’t he know how she felt about him? If he didn’t, she had the rest of her life to show him.
“So,” he said, stepping close and putting his arms back around her. “What do you think about moving in together?”
What did she think? If he wasn’t holding her against him, she’d do a happy dance around the living room. She grinned. “Screw it.”
He lifted one eyebrow. “Does that mean what I hope it does?”
“I don’t know.” She couldn’t resist teasing him a little, so she put her finger to her lip, pretending to consider it. “Now that the ‘no apologies, no relationships, and no kids’ rules have gone out the window, you need to come up with a new motto. I couldn’t possibly be with a man who doesn’t have one.”
“Oh, I already have a new motto. And I like it a whole lot better than the old ones.”
“Well?”
He shook his head. “I can’t tell you what it is. I’ll have to show you.”
“Show me?”
He pushed her hair back from her face, then his lips were on her neck. “It goes something like this,” he murmured. One of his hands ran over the curve of her waist. The other was on her back, pulling him against him. “And then, something like this.” His mouth moved up to her ear and her legs weakened. “I’m still working on the exact phrasing.”
“Mmmm.” She was breathing hard. “Your new motto’s not bad.”
“I plan to keep working on it.” He pushed her shirt up so he could stroke the bare skin of her back while he nipped her ear lobe.
“You do?” She bit her lip as warmth rushed between her legs.
“Day and night.”
She blinked, trying to fight off the desire to immediately rip both their clothes off. What was the hurry? They had all the time in the world and they’d get to do this every day. The thought filled her with so much joy, she wanted to laugh like a lunatic.
“Well, I don’t know,” she said, remembering the gift he’d brought her, still sitting on the coffee table. “Maybe you’d better show me what’s in that mysterious box before I decide.”
“Oh yes, I’d forgotten.” He picked it up and gave it to her. “I hope you like it.”
She pulled the ribbon off the box and opened it. Inside was a simple printed card that just said, Your ticket to the stars. She lifted it out. “What’s this?”
“You wanted to go into space, so I booked us both on a commercial flight. VirginGalactic are taking reservations, did you know? Those aren’t our real tickets, I haven’t got those yet. And don’t get too excited, because we’re not going for five years. Just think of the delay as giving us plenty of time to get ready.”
He looked serious, but there was no way he could be. Even the idea of it made her feel dizzy, like he was tilting her universe upside down.
“You’re joking, aren’t you? I happen to know those tickets cost a quarter of a million dollars each.”
“The car company threw in a bonus to sweeten the deal, and I can’t think of a better way to start spending it. Suzie, I love you. Will you go to the stars with me?”
She stared at him, this gorgeous, incredible man who made impossible dreams come true. “Nate, I…” Then she was laughing. Or crying, she wasn’t sure which. Through her tears, she managed to say, “I love you too. And I think I’m already there.”
He shook his head. “Not yet.” He took the box and ticket from her and set them on the coffee table. Then he pulled her close and kissed her. “But I’ll bet we can circle the moon.”
Epilogue
Coming in from the garage, Nate heard voices in the living room. Suzie was talking someone and it sounded like her sister, Laura. He dropped his car key into the dish in the hallway and was about t
o go into the living room and let them know he’d arrived home, when he caught Suzie saying his name. He hesitated just outside the open door, caught by the sudden impulse to hear what she was saying.
“I love his new car,” said Suzie. “You should see it drive itself. It’s so much fun sitting in it while it speeds around.”
Ah, she was talking about the concept car he’d developed. It was the game-changer he’d hoped it would be, and the best part of the process had been the huge grin on Suzie’s face as it had taken her around the track. She seemed every bit as proud of it as he was. It was still under wraps, but he couldn’t wait until its worldwide release.
“I told you Nate was clever,” said Laura. “I’m glad you finally listened.”
As much as he’d like to stand there and hear them say nice things about him, eavesdropping felt wrong. Especially if Laura was going to needle Suzie in that subtle way she had. As much as he valued Laura’s friendship, he wasn’t going to put up with her trying to make her sister feel second best again. If Laura couldn’t see how brilliant Suzie was, then she was the dumb one.
Suzie spotted him as he walked through the door and stood up, a big smile breaking over her face and her blue eyes lightening. “Honey, you’re home.”
Her smile was pure magic. No matter what had happened to him during the day, good or bad, everything instantly fell away when she smiled. He gave Laura a quick nod, then slid his arms around Suzie’s waist and claimed her gorgeous lips. Kissing her was a pleasure he was never going to take for granted.
But after far too short a time, Suzie pulled away, laughing. “You haven’t said hi to Laura yet.”
“That’s okay.” Laura got to her feet. “A year together obviously hasn’t been long enough to get all that out of your systems. I should go anyway. It’s getting late.”
“We need to leave as well,” said Nate. With one arm around Suzie’s waist, he glanced out of the large, double-height window that framed the view of Santa Monica Beach. The pier was as crowded as ever, but the sea glistened in the late afternoon sunshine. The luxury yacht he’d hired wouldn’t be nearly as good as the Lady Of Lantana because they wouldn’t be alone on it But its staff were waiting to serve them a 5-star meal and had been given strict instructions to give them complete privacy afterward.
Suzie started. “Oh, honey, where are we going tonight?”
“It’s a surprise. And I reminded you this morning.”
Her brow furrowed. “I’m sorry. I’ve got so much happening, I forgot. Maybe we can postpone it?”
He shook his head, only restraining himself from kissing away the crease on her forehead because Laura was there. “I’ve spoken to Marianna. She knows you’re taking the evening off and has all the bookings in hand. We’re celebrating, remember?”
He’d expected some resistance. Suzie loved her business so much, he was used to having to wrestle her away from it. Mostly he didn’t mind the long hours she spent at work, but occasionally she needed to take a break.
“Celebrating?” asked Laura.
Nate raised his eyebrows. “Didn’t Suzie show you her new business card?”
“Oh.” Suzie’s cheeks flushed as she dug in her pocket and pulled one out. “It’s no biggie, really. We’re still expanding, that’s all. The business is growing so quickly, we’re rushed off our feet.”
“You’re too modest,” he told her. “You’re doing an amazing job, so don’t sell yourself short.”
Laura took the business card and scanned it, then flipped it over to read the list of locations listed on the back. “Impressive.” She handed the card back. “I’ll let you two go on your mysterious outing then. I only came to ask Suzie a question.”
“Oh?” Suzie asked.
“Our first wedding anniversary is coming up next month, and I’m planning a small celebration. Of course, you and Nate are invited. But I was wondering if I could hire your company to do the catering? I’ve heard so many glowing reports, I can’t wait to finally taste your food.”
He could tell Suzie was pleased by the way her eyes creased when she smiled. “Of course. I’d love to.”
“You’re lucky to get in at such short notice,” he told Laura. “She’s booked up months in advance.”
Suzie laughed. “Give me the date and I’ll squeeze you in, sis.”
The light in her eyes made his chest warm. Finally, she was realizing her own talent, and he loved the confidence and pleasure it gave her. Nate glanced at the High School Diploma that was framed over the fireplace. It was just a piece of paper, but after she’d got it, a weight had seemed to fall away from her.
“So you’re not going to tell her where you’re taking her tonight?” asked Laura as they walked her toward the front door.
Nate shook his head, smiling. “If I told her, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
“Do I need to change?” asked Suzie, smoothing her hands over her summer dress.
“You look perfect as you are.” He glanced down at her sandals. “Only, flat shoes might be better.” Heels were never a good idea on a boat.
They got to the door and Laura reached for the handle. “Sounds like you’ve arranged a special night. You’re not going to ask her to marry you, are you?”
Nate frowned. Laura was going to ruin everything. “Of course not,” he said, several seconds too late.
“Oh my god.” Laura dropped the door handle and clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes going wide. “That’s what you’re planning. Aren’t you?”
Suzie’s eyes were as wide as Laura’s. Both sisters looked at each other, then at him.
His gaze was fixed on Suzie. “So much for the surprise.” Time to adapt his plan. But he wasn’t going to propose in the hall beside the front door. “Come on.” He took Suzie’s hand and led her back to the living room, then out onto their balcony with its view of the water. All that mattered was that he propose to her outside, with the sea as their backdrop and the breeze lifting her glorious hair.
There, on the balcony, he tugged the ring out of his pocket and flipped open the box so she could see the diamond sparkling. The small blue stones set around it had reminded him of her eyes and the sea that had brought them together. It had seemed perfect for her. He just hoped she liked it as much as he did.
“Oh my God,” murmured Laura.
Nate glanced over at her, startled. He’d been so focussed on Suzie he’d forgotten her sister was still here.
Suzie’s mouth dropped open a little as she took in the ring. Her lips made an ‘o’ shape, and it made her cupid’s bow look deeper than ever. All he wanted was to kiss her.
And for her to say Yes.
He’d been convinced she would, but now his heart was beating faster. What if she said no? She had his heart in the palm of her hand. He was totally vulnerable. She could shatter him completely with just a single word, and that knowledge should terrify him.
But this was Suzie. He loved and trusted her beyond anything he could have imagined. He’d come to understand that the feeling of being totally exposed to her was a necessary part of love. It deepened it and made it even more precious. In that sense, it was the best thing he’d ever felt. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Slowly, he lowered himself down onto one knee. “Will you—?”
That was as far as he got. “Yes.” Suzie interrupted. “Of course. Are you kidding?” She laughed, her eyes filling with tears. “I love you more than anything, Nate.”
He grinned. His two-word attempt had to be the shortest proposal in history. But it had got the job done so he wasn’t about to complain.
“The ring’s so beautiful,” said Laura, her voice breathless. “Try it on, Sue. Does it fit?”
He stood and pulled it out of the case, then slipped it onto her extended finger. Of course it fit. He’d borrowed one of her other rings to have it sized and make sure it would.
Suzie put his arms around his neck. Their kiss felt different from any they’d shared before. It was full of pro
mise. It was the start of the rest of their life.
“What do you think?” he whispered to her. “Shall we get married on Lantana Island?”
Then there were another pair of arms around them both, hugging them. Suddenly Laura’s tears were soaking into the shoulder of his shirt.
“I’m so happy for you two,” she sobbed. “You’re so perfect. Both of you. You’re going to be so happy.”
“We’re already happy,” said Nate, smiling at Laura’s flood of tears.
Suzie nestled her face against his neck. “I had no idea life could be like this.” Her breath tickled his skin.
“You’re my life,” he murmured into her ear.
“And you, mine.”
“Stop it you guys.” Laura gave them one last squeeze, then let them go and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “Go on your mystery night out. Celebrate life, and success, and everything else. Man, you two are too much.”
When Suzie stepped back, smiling, Nate offered her his arm. “Will you do me the honor?” he asked.
“Always,” she said.
Thanks For Reading!
Want to read more about Lantana Island? Rosa’s sister Carin is about to arrive on the island, and I know you’ll love her happily-ever-after!
The third book in the Lantana Island Romance Series is called The Engagement Game. It will be available for pre-order on Amazon soon.
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Also by Talia Hunter
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