He shakes his head. “Most importantly, it’s you. I think I fell for you the first day I walked in here. Just took me a while to realize it.”
“Oh, really?” I gotta say, I’m digging this convo.
He nods, then answers me with a kiss that’s so tender, so loving. I can picture a future filled with kisses like this…and Bandit…and no custody battle.
Speaking of whom, Bandit licks our joined hands, interrupting our kiss. I glance over at him. “I think Bandit approves.”
He releases my hand and ruffles the fur on Bandit’s head. “He knows a good thing when he sees it.”
But there’s still this lingering doubt. Nick’s dated way more than I have, but he’s never mentioned being in love before. I told him about Bryan, so it seems only fair that he should give me the deets on his past. “I need to ask you a question.”
His brows draw together as he searches my eyes with his. “Anything.”
“How many times have you told a woman you loved her? Counting me.”
“Once. Twice if you count my mother.”
Somehow, this hits way deeper than I expected. “Seriously?”
He chuckles. “Your brother asked the same thing when I admitted I was in love with you.”
I give him a soft shove. “I thought you said you asked him if you could date me.”
“That, too.” He cups my face. “You helped me realize I’m a one-and-done kind of guy. Nothing—no one—was the right fit. Until you.”
I rest my hands on his hips and lean in. “So I’m your one and done?”
He nods, then pauses in thought. “Well, there is Bandit.”
I do a snort-giggle combo. So unattractive, but I don’t care. Nick’s my person, and now I know I’m his. And then he kisses me as if to seal the deal. And this deal I’m taking all the way to the bank.
He drops a kiss on my nose. “I love it when you crinkle your nose like that.”
I grin. “You know I fell first for you, right?”
He shakes his head. “I was a different guy then, so it doesn’t count. I fell for you first.”
“I beg to differ. I—wait, you know about that?” I lean back to get a better look at his face.
A moment of panic flashes behind his eyes, but then it’s gone. And so is the fear, as well as that question. “Maybe.”
“Let me guess. Graham?”
“Nope.” He drops his arms and takes a step back.
“Liam?”
“Nope.” He bends over and unhooks Bandit’s leash.
That day at my parents comes to mind. “Please tell me it wasn’t my mother.”
He chortles. “It wasn’t your mother, but I’m pretty sure she’s convinced we’re an item already.”
I take a step toward him, but he keeps backing away. Now I’m the kitty, and Nick is my prey. “Fess up, Lawless. I will get it out of you, one way or another.”
“Have fun trying.” The gleam in his eye is oh, so inviting.
“You have no idea what you just started.”
