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“If you don’t like the name, though, we can change it.”
“The name’s perfect,” I whisper.
Kyle moves in front of me and cups my face to wipe away the tears that have fallen.
“Thank you.”
With a shake of his head, he announces, “There’s nothing to thank me for. I should’ve done this and so much more for you.”
“More? Like what?”
“Like tell you how deeply in love with you I am.”
I suck my bottom lip in between my teeth. His confession wraps itself around my heart and releases all of the doubts that have accumulated in my mind. It was one thing to see those words via a text message, but to hear them out loud is something else entirely.
“And I can’t give you that annulment, Riley. Not without telling you the truth.”
“Which is?”
“You own me. Mind, body, and soul. I’m yours. My entire world would shut down without you in it. Don’t ask me to annul our marriage. You are my life now.”
When I drop my head, Kyle’s hand is there, lifting my chin to meet his gaze. He’s so steadfast and sure that it’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that I’ll give him everything he wants.
“When you got hired as a consultant at Townsend you told me that I would just have to trust you. Do you remember that?”
I nod, recalling telling him that in that boardroom.
“I do. I trust you with my entire being. Now I’m asking you to do the same. Trust me with your heart, Riley. I promise to keep it safe.”
Kyle leans in to kiss me, and that’s when I gather my emotions and take a step back, moving out of his hold. I can’t have his lips on mine. It’ll make me forget everything I need to say.
“Stay there.” I point at the spot where he’s standing, between the coffee table and sectional, while I move behind the sectional. I need the space between us. Yet, the way Kyle narrows his eyes tells me I only have a few seconds before he does something crazy like leap over the couch.
“I’m serious, don’t move.”
His hands tighten into fists at his side from the restraint he’s exhibiting. I stifle the grin that wants to break free.
“I won’t ask you to sign the annulment.”
His shoulders sag from relief.
“I love you, too. It feels good to say that.”
“And you should tell me every day for the rest of our lives,” he says with so much authority that it makes me laugh.
“I need to hear it, too. After all, words of affirmation are my love language.”
He nods firmly. “Done. I love you.”
“Well …” I draw the word out as my eyes circle the room. “If I’m bargaining, I also want you to continue the flower deliveries. They’re really pretty and make my office smell good.”
“I already have deliveries scheduled for the next six months.”
I laugh.
“And I’m not coming to work for Townsend Industries on a permanent basis.”
Kyle’s expression falls. He frowns deeply, then shrugs. “I have the rest of our lives to convince you.”
