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“I don’t even know how to do this, Jen.”
The brokenness in his tone nearly undid her, but she had to remain strong. Whatever internal battle he waged with himself was fierce. He needed to work through this in order to move forward. She desperately wanted to move forward with him and she hoped that was why he was here.
“I’ve done things,” he whispered. “Things I never want you to know about. Not because I don’t trust you, but because I don’t want you to look at me with fear or hate.”
Jenna gripped the back of the stool. “I would never look at you that way.”
His eyes drilled into hers. “You did when you walked out last week.”
Swallowing, Jenna pulled up every ounce of strength she could muster and circled the island. “I didn’t fear or hate you, Mac. Never. I was disappointed, hurt and frustrated. I know the loyalty you have to your family and I admire you for it. I know there will be times you’ll choose the business over me and I get that, too. But you were pushing me away, and to drive the point home you didn’t even offer a goodbye. I was just like all the other women in your life and I won’t be treated like that.”
Mac reached for her, finally. His fingers curled around her bare arms. Jenna pulled in a deep breath, the tips of her breasts brushing against his T-shirt.
“You’ll never be treated like just any other woman, Jenna. You’re nothing like anyone I’ve ever been with before.”
“Tell me again,” she whispered, emotions clogging her throat. “Tell me you love me.”
His hands slid down her sides and gripped her waist. The strength of his touch warmed her entire body through the silk.
“I’d rather show you,” he muttered against her lips. “But I do love you, Jenna. So much. More than I ever thought possible.”
Wrapping her arms around him, she nipped at his lips. As if that set off some sort of spark in him, Mac lifted her up against him. Instinctively her legs went around his waist as he carried her from the room. She kissed his stubbled jawline as he made his way toward her bedroom.
“I need you now,” he growled as they toppled onto the bed.
In a frenzy, he tore his clothes off and yanked her chemise down. Poised above her, he stared into her eyes. “Nothing between us,” he told her.
Jenna nodded. She never wanted anything between them again. When Mac joined their bodies, Jenna wrapped herself around him, taking in all of his strength. This is what they were, a team, a force. They were lovers, best friends and so much more.
Mac’s lips moved over hers, then down her throat as she arched into his touch. He whispered her name as she climbed and when she flew apart, he told her once again how much he loved her and then followed her over the edge.
Moments later, Jenna lay tucked against his side. There was so much that still needed to be said, so much that needed to be hashed out, but right now, she had all she needed.
When her stomach growled, she snuggled a bit deeper. “I’m starving. I worked up an appetite.”
Mac slid his hand up her back and into her hair, which had fallen from the ponytail. “Stay here and I’ll bring you breakfast.”
When he got up, Jenna admired his perfect male form. And he was all hers.
“Look at me like that and I’ll never make it out of this room,” he told her.
“Bring me breakfast and I’ll thank you properly.”
He closed his eyes and groaned. “You’re killing me. Don’t move.”
Moments later he had her tea and a plate of Danishes in hand.
“I’m pretty sure I could never get tired of you serving me breakfast in bed while naked.”
He smiled as he placed the items on her bedside table. Mac sank down beside her, caging her in as he put a hand on either side of her hips. “Then marry me and I’ll do this every day.”
Jenna gasped. “What?”
“Marry me, Jenna. I don’t want to be your fake fiancé or your pretend lover. I want it all.”
Her mind spun in circles. Were they ready for this?
“Marriage is a big leap, Mac. Aren’t we moving too fast?”
He laughed and smacked her lips with a kiss. “I’ve wanted you for years, Jen. I want to wake up with you every single morning and I want you to be legally mine. I can’t get a ring on your finger fast enough.”
Tears pricked her eyes. “Mac,” she whispered.
“Before you say yes, I need to know something.”
Blinking against the moisture, Jenna nodded. “Anything.”
