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“And?”
Of course, she understood there was more.
“I didn’t want my past to touch you. I know I don’t deserve you.”
“That’s absurd.”
“Why? Protecting you is my duty.”
She sighed. “But your past is part of you, Vic. It’s one of the things I find most attractive about you. You worked hard to get to where you are.”
That comment gave him hope. He knew he had to pull all the stops out and that there was no way he could play it safe today.
He went to his knees before her, taking her hands in his.
“I adore you, Addison. I know I fucked up. It was done in good faith, but it was stupid, and I hurt you. Let me spend the rest of our lives making it up to you.”
Addison looked downat their joined hands and then up at the man she loved. No doubt he was regretful, but would he do it again? That thought scared her more than anything. Giving herself to him had been the bravest thing she had done in her life, but now…this was scarier.
“How do I know?”
“Know what, love?’
Her heart skipped a beat at the nickname, but she pushed those feelings down.
“Know that you don’t push me out of your life the next time this happens?”
“First, it shouldn’t happen again. Second,” he took a deep breath and lets it release slowly before finishing. “Second…I know what I need to do now when things get tough.”
“And what’s that?”
“I cling to you and don’t let you go. With you, I’m happier than I have ever been in my life, and we can do anything together.”
Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “I see.”
“I love you, Addison. I will do anything to prove it to you.”
Hearing the words was a balm to her battered soul. Could she believe him? She looked at the man she had been in love with for what seemed like forever—even when she didn’t want to—and saw the truth in his eyes. He really had thought he was protecting her. It was stupid, but he understood what he had done wrong.
She dropped his hands, so she could cup his face. “I love you, Vic. But it might take a little bit to deal with the hurt you caused.”
“You can have all the time you need.”
She chuckled. “What if I say I’m going to Hawaii to think about it.”
“Fine.”
“Really?’
He nodded. “I’ll be there with you while you think about it.”
The confidence was back. His smile deepened, and she couldn’t fight her need any longer. Leaning down, she brushed her mouth over his.
At that moment, she knew she didn’t want to go to Hawaii. Not without the love of her lie. She wanted to enjoy the islands with Vic. Still, she couldn’t stop the tears that filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks.
He dropped their hands and cupped her face, using his thumbs to brush them away.
“Please don’t cry. I can’t take it.”
