“Me too,” Sierra said.
“Me three,” Jazz added.
“It’s all good. I love him enough that I want him to be happy. And jetting around the world doing his work makes him happy.”
“Something tells me you’re wrong,” Allie said in a funny voice.
Sierra squeaked.
“Liketotallywrong,” Jazz breathed.
Frowning, I looked at them. They were all staring across the lobby.
I turned my head.
Ro was striding across the space toward me. He looked like a man on a mission. My hands clenched on my friends, then they let me go.
I was barely conscious of them moving away.
His entire gaze was focused on me. He got close.
“Tessa Ashford.” His voice ran through the lobby, and everyone stopped talking and focused on us.
My mouth was dry and all I saw was Ro.
“I came here to turn this hotel into the Langston Windward. I expected some obstacles, a few challenges… I never expected you.”
My chest hitched.
“I never expected to find a smart, beautiful, and tempting woman. Tessa, you radiate light and goodness and love on everyone. And I never realized that I’d been in the dark all my life until you.” He dropped to his knees in front of me.
“Ro…”
He took my hands. “You’re the day, all light and warmth. My entire life, I’ve been alone in the darkness… until you.” He glanced around at our avid audience. “I’m in love with Tessa Ashford.”
I stared at him, ignoring the gasps, laughter, and smattering of applause.
His amber eyes met mine. “I love you, Tessa. I’ve never loved anyone before.” He swallowed. “Or been loved.”
A tear slid down my cheek, emotion welling in my chest.
“I’m not going anywhere, fairy queen. You’ve made me happier and more content than I’ve ever been. I’ve never had one, but I know that being with you feels like home.”
I threw myself off the chair and into his arms. He caught me and rose.
Then he was kissing me. Or I was kissing him.
I didn’t care.
Ro loved me. He was mine.
That was all that mattered.
Chapter34
Ro
Iunlocked the door to Tessa’s cottage and led her inside. I knew she was exhausted.
