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Thirty-Three Years Earlier
Jeff rapped softly on Maria’s window. She was no doubt asleep. He didn’t want to scare her, but he had to see her. Had to feel her in his arms. Had to know she was there, that something was worth fighting for. He’d pull this one last job. Grandpa deserved it anyway. After that, he’d take Mia, and they’d build a life together. A good, honest life.
The window opened. “Jeff?” Mia peeked out, her hair in adorable disarray.
“God, you’re beautiful. You take my breath away, Mia.” Already he was hardening inside his jeans.
“I told you I couldn’t—”
He silenced her, placing two fingers against her trembling lips. “I know. I’m sorry. I just had to see you. I had to look into your beautiful eyes.”
She reached up and joined her hand to his. “Are you okay?”
He smiled. Yes, he was okay, now that he was with her. In her presence. He was no longer Jeff Bay, disinherited criminal. He was Jeff Bay, a good man, a man who would do anything for the woman he loved.
Soon, she would be his. He’d admit his love and take her away from all this. They’d build a life together. Have children together…
“Jeff?” she said again.
“I’m fine. Really. Can I come in? Just for a minute?”
She sighed and opened the window fully. “I can’t seem to say no to you.”
He climbed in. Maria sat down on her bed, and he sat beside her.
“I’ve missed you.”
“You just saw me tonight.” She laughed softly.
“What time is it, anyway?”
Maria glanced at her nightstand. “A little after two.”
“Your sister’s safe in bed?”
She nodded. “Tucked her in myself four hours ago.”
“I’m sorry I woke you.”
“Actually, I wasn’t asleep. Just lying here…thinking.”
He smiled and touched the soft apple of her cheek. “About what?”
She looked away. “About…you. About us.”
His hand still on her cheek, he turned her toward him. “What about us?”
Even in the darkness of her bedroom, her face blushed a delicate rose. “I don’t know. I had a nice time tonight. I have so much fun with you. It feels…”
“Feels like what?” he urged.
She stayed silent.
His heart was beating so fast, like a herd of buffalo was stampeding inside him. “Can I tell you how I feel, Mia?”
Her lips quivered as she nodded.
