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She frowned in confusion. “I didn’t do much.”
“You most certainly did. I was just here to sign off on documents and fund the venture. You did it all.” He took her hands in his. “Without your expertise, this place would be failing miserably. I think you deserve more than just being the general manager.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve simply been doing the job you employed me to do.”
“I don’t know why I didn’t do this from the beginning. I’d like to bring you on as co-owner of the bar. Be my partner. You already do the work; now take the title, too.”
He let go of her hands to walk around the bar. Once he was standing close to her, he guided her off the stool.
“Jordan,” he said, looking into her eyes. Being this close to her again reminded him how much he had grown attached to her, how much he needed her in his life.
He cradled her face in his hands. Her lips pursed as he gazed into her eyes, and they told him all he needed to know. “Tell me you don’t feel the same way.”
Without letting her answer, he pressed his lips to hers.
“Um—” She pulled back, clearing her throat. “Didn’t we decide that this wasn’t going to happen?”
“I changed my mind,” he said, with a crooked smile. “Let’s erase all of that, too.”
She hesitated. “You don’t want me to be co-owner just so this is okay? Do you?”
Noah shook his head. “Not even close. I’ll kiss you even if you don’t take the offer.”
Jordan half smiled, but stepped back from him. “I’m not sure I understand. What is going on with you?”
“I had everything planned that I wanted to say, but it’s coming out all wrong.” He sighed. “This is what I really want to tell you. You’re the first woman to leave a mark on my heart.” He sat on the bar stool and pulled her to sit beside him. “I let fear get the best of me when I suggested casual. Then I let everyone get into my head about not having a relationship with an employee. And honestly, I think some folks would disagree with this relationship no matter what your title was. Thinking I was abusing my power or something.” He wanted to laugh at the notion. “When actually, you are the one who holds all the power. Just being with you made me a better man. You somehow made me want to stop being single and commit to you and only you. And that's a feat no other woman had ever been able to accomplish.”
“I did?”
He let out a deep chuckle. “Yes.”
“Whatever you say, but I don’t have that kind of influence. And no matter what my job title, the people getting in your head aren’t wrong. If this goes bad, even a little bit, the business could suffer. And you’re willing to risk that?” she asked.
Noah couldn’t tell if she was really worried, or testing him.
“I’m willing to take a chance because I have faith in us.”
“You say that now, but a lot of things could go wrong.”
“What things? Tell me.”
“Well…” She thought for a moment. “What if you get tired of me? You’re the one with the ladies’ man reputation, and there’s temptation after every game with all those bunnies wearing your jersey outside the arena.”
“I might be an idiot, but I’m not stupid.” He gazed at her intently. “What I want is to be with you after every game. Besides, I haven’t looked at another woman since I met you. I don’t want to. There’s no way I’d risk losing you. And as for getting tired of you, I don’t even understand those words. I want you in my life, always.” He took a deep breath. “Did you really go on a date with that blogger guy?”
She gave a little laugh. “No, and you know why. I was too hung up on you.”
“Thank God for that.” He wiped imaginary sweat from his brow. “You have no idea how that turned me inside out. Even the guys were on my case about it.”
“I didn’t know you felt that way, since casual was your thing. That was so stupid, by the way.”
“Agreed,” he said, with a huff. “But what if I do or say something else stupid and make you upset? Because, realistically, we’re talking about me, so that’s bound to happen.”
She shook her head, but smiled. “You’ve said and done a lot of stupid things, and I’m not afraid to tell you so. I’m pretty sure I could survive a few more, so long as you weren’t intentionally trying to hurt me.”
Noah stroked her cheek. “Hurting you is the last thing I ever want to do.” He dropped a light kiss on her lips. “But what if it’s out of my control?”
Jordan frowned. “Meaning?”
