Page 107 of Fake It For Glory

We locked eyes, and I saw the love and desire in Jensen’s gaze. When we were together before the article, I thought I saw it there, but after the article came out, I wasn’t sure if I was seeing it for real.

“These weeks with you,” he began with his voice soft and full of emotion. “They’ve been some of the best weeks of my life. I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but being with you makes me feel alive. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

My heart swelled with love and gratitude. The guilt I had been carrying around like a heavy burden slowly dissipated, and I was left with a sense of lightness and hope.

His eyes, those captivating windows into his soul, never left mine. “You’ve filled an empty part of me, Merida, a deep, dark hole that’s been there ever since I lost my dad. I knew from the moment I met you that you were different. You made me feel something that I had never felt before. You showed me what it’s like to truly love someone and be loved in return.”

My heart fluttered at his words, and a tear rolled down my cheek. I reached up to wipe it away, but Jensen beat me to it. His thumb brushed gently over my cheek, wiping away the teardrop.

“I do love you,” I said. “I didn’t mean to fall in love with you, but it happened when I least expected it. I actually liked those rules you gave me. It told me a little more about you. You set a high standard, but no higher than you expect from yourself.”

Jensen chuckled, a low and throaty sound that made my insides tingle. “I’m glad you liked them. I’m used to stating things up front because it just seems to work better that way. People don’t get confused and there aren’t any failed expectations.”

“But you know, a relationship might have some disappointments.”

“You could never disappoint me, Merida. If anything, I was disappointed in myself for realizing all my shortcomings. I hate that I hurt your feelings about the shoes. When we started this venture, I thought the best thing to do was to keep it professional. I thought it would be easier. I never expected to fall in love. I didn’t think anyone could love me for me.”

My breath caught in my throat as his words washed over me. I had known about the pain he carried, the grief he hid beneath his stoic exterior, but hearing him acknowledge it so openly tugged at my heartstrings. I knew he had no reason to trust me after what I did, but I appreciated the fact that he did.

“You make me feel like I’m more than just the tech guy everyone wants a piece of,” he continued, his voice tinged with emotion. “You make me feel like a man who is lucky enough to love and be loved by you. With you, I was able to be myself.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to him lay bare his feelings. His eyes bored into mine, his gaze unwavering, as he made his plea. “I can’t let this go, Merida. I won’t. You’re mine. Please, tell me you’re mine.”

His vulnerability washed over me like a tidal wave, and all my doubts and insecurities seemed to evaporate in the warmth of his love. “I’m yours. Always.” My voice trembled with emotion.

A gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he pulled me closer into his embrace. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, gentle kiss. It felt like coming home after a long journey, like I had finally found the missing piece of me that I had been searching for all along.

We pulled away, our foreheads pressed together as we caught our breath.

“I want you,” he whispered. “I will always want you.”