Page 42 of Puck Off, She’s Mine

She doesn't stop me. Instead, she melts into me, humming against my lips. I linger just long enough to make sure she feels me, and then pull back.

My dad is watching us, a soft grin on his face. "So…my future daughter-in-law is a reporter like your ma," he says. "She's going to love that."

"Yeah, she will. She always wanted another reporter in the family. Guess she's getting her wish."

Cara gasps beside me, but I just smile to myself and let her stew over what I just said. At least for now.

By the time dinner is over and we've said bye to my dad, she's a ball of nervous energy at my side. I wrap my arm around her, leading her toward my SUV.

"I…" she starts, then stops with a stern shake of her head.

I chuckle to myself, boosting her up into her seat.

"You…"

I wait for more, but she never finishes that sentence either. Instead, she just stares at me like she doesn't know what to say or think or do. It's fucking cute. I like when she's off guard, not sure what to think. I like knowing I can do that to her with a simple truth.

I brush my lips across her cheek and then buckle her in before jogging around to my side.

"Did…?"

"What's that, baby?"

"Nothing," she grumbles.

I smile to myself, pulling out.

Three different times on the way to my place, she starts to ask and then stops herself again, almost like she's afraid of the answer.

"I meant it," I say as soon as we're parked, the garage closing behind us.

She startles beside me, turning wide, luminous eyes to me. "What?"

"When I said my mom is finally getting her wish, I meant it." I climb from the SUV before she can answer, circling around to her side. I barely have the door open before she's standing in front of me, staring up at me in awe.

"Phoenix…"

"I meant it, Cara," I murmur, cupping her cheek. "You're going to be her daughter-in-law. As soon as you're ready, I'm putting a ring on your finger and giving you my last name."

"What?"

I tug her up against me, placing my lips at her ear. "You're marrying me. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but as soon as you're ready."

"Yes."

I freeze, then blink. "What?"

"Yes."

Jesus. Is she…?

She lifts up on her toes, wrapping her arms around my neck. Her face presses against my throat. "I'm saying yes, Phoenix. Whenever you ask, I'm saying yes."

Jesus Christ.

I lift her off her feet, making her squeal a little as she grabs for me. But I'm already moving, storming into the house. I don't stop until we're on the same chaise where I fucked her for the first time, with her pinned beneath me, staring up at me with the sweetest smile.

"I'm hearing shit," I mumble. "Because I could have sworn you said—"