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I am glad to see him, as I’ve missed him terribly, and he sure is a sight for sore eyes.
He’s oozing sex appeal too, which is mildly aggravating. But I’m more irritated that he’s obviously trying to stop me from leaving.
“What are you doing here?” I snap as I stride right up to him.
He nods beyond me to my car. “I heard you were thinking of going somewhere.”
Curious, since not even my sister knows what I’m up to, I ask, “Who told you that?”
“Hector.” He uncrosses his arms and relaxes. “I stopped by your office to see if you were there, and he filled me in on what’s going on. Now I’m here to stop you from making a big fucking mistake, Willow.”
“Ha!” I scoff. “A big fucking mistake, huh? I guess you’d know all about those.” I point my key fob at him for emphasis, and the jerk snatches it out of my hand.
Damn, he’s fast.
“Yeah,” he says gruffly. “I do know all about mistakes. I’ve made plenty, starting with not being honest with you at the fair. But I’ve apologized for that, and for all that happened afterward. And just so you know, there’s also something called giving a person a second chance.”
“Oh.” I place my hands on my jean-clad hips. “I suppose you think you deserve one?”
He nods. “I do, Willow. And you know it. You’re just being stubborn now.”
He’s right, I am. But he’s wearing me down, making me think he does have a point.
Ugh!
Still, I dig in.
“Give me my key fob,” I state as I hold out my hand.
He laughs. “No.”
“Arden,” I growl.
Oh, like I can intimidate him.
It’s laughable, really.
Looking amused, he holds my key fob high in the air and says slyly, “No one is stopping you from taking it.”
“You…you…” I narrow my eyes at him, and then I make my move, lunging for the key fob.
Of course, klutzy me falls right into him.
“Grrr…” I scramble to right myself and get off of him, but he wraps his arms around me, holding me in place.
“Stop it,” I grind out, struggling, albeit half-heartedly, as it does feel good to be held by him once more. “Let me go.”
“Not until you tell me you won’t leave me. Cancel your interview. Don’t get on that flight to New York. Stay here with me and let me love you, Willow.”
I stop struggling and stare up into his cool blue eyes. There’s pleading and truth in his gaze, so much truth. This is naked vulnerability, and it softens my hardass heart.
Reaching up, I touch his stubbled cheek. “I don’t really want to move,” I confess softly. “I like the job I have. And I like Atlanta.”
“Is that all?” he asks, arching a brow.
I lower my hand to his chest. “And then there’s you.” I sigh, shaking my head. “You may drive me crazy and make me mad as hell, but I love you. And even though I’ve tried all week, I can’t stop.”
“Good.” He laughs, the low rumble beneath my hand a salve for my soul. “I don’t want you to stop loving me. And you know why?”
