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“I won’t force you to answer me, but I’d like to know,” he said. “It’s important to me.”
“I’ve wanted you for a long time. I think I’ve been in love with you, or at least the idea of you, for as long as I can remember. I pursued you at your club, even when you tried to scare me away. I entered into a sexual agreement with you because I had to be close to you. I’ve put up with rogue subs who would do anything to be on the other side of your riding crop.” She arched a brow at him. “Which, by the way, I’m the only woman who will ever have that honor.”
“You’re the only woman I’d ever want to be in my striking distance.”
“There’s something wrong with us.”
“Maybe a little, but continue what you were saying.”
“You’re a workaholic, and I spend a lot of nights alone.”
“Do you want me to quit?”
“You probably would if I asked.”
“No probably about it, but you would never ask.”
“No, I wouldn’t.” She traced his lips with her fingertip. “What I’m trying to say is, I’m here because I want to be here. If you don’t know the answer to your question, then I’m doing something wrong.”
“You’re doing everything right.” He kissed her softly. “I’m a very confident man most of the time. The weekend we spent with Martin should prove that.”
“You don’t have to prove anything to me.” She rested her head on his chest. “What’s brought this on?”
“A few months ago, when you met me for dinner, you made a comment that stuck with me.”
“I make a lot of comments. Sometimes you make me nervous and I say things that I can’t get myself out of.”
“I make you nervous?”
“I’m being honest.” She shrugged. “I’m sure whatever I said about marriage rattled you and then I probably reacted to your reaction.”
“Do you remember saying I was impressive on paper and your dad couldn’t wait to walk you down the aisle?”
She recalled the conversation well. It was the night before they started their official training with Martin. She babbled something about him being a good catch and marrying him, but quickly retreated. She didn’t want him to think she wanted too much too fast.
“Yes, and if I recall you got weird after. So I reacted to you being weird.”
“You said that you didn’t think we’d ever be to the point where we would get married.” He rested his hand in her lap. “Did you mean that?”
“I...no. I said that because I was afraid you would never want to marry me.” She’d wanted to marry him for as long as she could remember. “That night, all those years ago on the terrace at Caroline and Jack’s wedding. Do you remember?”
“Of course.” He touched her cheek. “You mesmerized me with your beauty, but I knew I could never have you.”
“We know that’s not true now.”
“You were young and going off to college. I had just made partner and I didn’t think I’d ever settle down. I didn’t think you could ever love someone like me.”
“You were wrong. I loved you then, Julian, even if I didn’t fully understand it. I was destined to be yours. I was devastated when you left me on the terrace. I wanted you to tell me you desired me. I wanted you to dance with me and kiss me. I was eighteen and so crazy for you.”
“We wouldn’t have worked then.”
“I know that now.” That night was important in their history. It would always hold a special place in her heart. “I answered your question, but you didn’t answer mine.”
He leaned forward and opened his desk drawer, taking out a black velvet box and flipping the lid to reveal a large, shiny diamond ring. “Does this answer your question?”
“That’s umm... is that an...”
“Engagement ring. I’m shocked too.” He took it out of the box. “I’m a difficult man. I’m complicated, demanding, and I work too much, but for some reason you tolerate me. I never wanted to be in a serious relationship. I never thought I’d fall in love. Before you, I only wanted a physical relationship. You’ve changed everything. You’ve given my life more meaning than I ever could have imagined.” He took her hand, gazing into her eyes. “Kayla Quinn, I need you in my life. It’s non-negotiable.”
“You do want to marry me.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I know you love me, and that was enough for me. I never expected you to ask me this. I’m thrilled you did, but you’ve caught me off guard.”
“What do you say?” He held her wrist, waiting to put the ring in her finger. “Will you be my wife?”
“Green.” She giggled, her heart complete. “I say green.”
“I love you.” After he placed the ring she silently vowed to never take off her finger, he kissed her slowly. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. The only one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
