AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She giggles softly, a bright smile on her face. “I’m sorry, sir. But we cannot give out guest information. I’d be happy to call her and inform her you’re waiting in the lobby to speak with her.”
“But that would ruin the surprise.”
As I step closer, I notice a rather large candy bouquet of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, my favorite.
He really did his research.
I despise flowers, especially roses. They’re nothing but a waste of money and usually die within a few days. I know it’s the thought that counts and all that, but if I had my choice, I’d rather have a stack of Reese’s and a copy of a new release from my favorite author.
Damn it. I really am going to have to name our firstborn after Maya.
My face breaks into a smile as I tap him lightly on the shoulder. “Is that how you pick up all the ladies?”
“Only the ones I really care about,” he responds, thrusting the bouquet in my direction before grabbing a large bag off the counter. “Chocolate and every book from the new release shelf in the bookstore.”
I giggle softly as I reach out and take the bag from him, placing it and bouquet on the counter.
“Maya had no idea who your favorite author was, but I remembered you liked to read, so I took that chance and grabbed everything. Whatever you don’t want, you can return and get something you want or donate. Whichever works best for you.”
Callen rubs the back of his neck, rocking from side to side.
He’s nervous, and it’s fucking adorable.
I can’t help but reach out and place my palm against his cheek. He nuzzles into it immediately.
“I missed you,” he whispers, his eyes locking with mine. “I know I said I’d give you space, and I will, but I just needed to see you for a few minutes and let you know how serious I was about us being together.”
I open my mouth to respond, but he covers my lips with his finger.
“Just let me finish. I’ve spent days playing this moment through in my head. I put my foot in it when I chased you away what feels like a lifetime ago. Dreams and plans are important, but I was terrified that you would end up like me, working yourself to the bone for this perfect life that you’d never get, and life would just pass you by.
“This isn’t a fling for me. I meant every word I said. I want to marry you. I want us to fill my place with children.”
“Fill? That place is huge. Are you sure you can handle that?”
He narrows his eyes at me. “I can handle anything life throws at me with you by my side.”
I smile, wrapping my arms around his neck and jumping into his arms.
“Is it completely insane that I feel exactly the same?” I giggle softly before leaning forward and brushing my lips lightly against his. “I’ve spent most of my life afraid of losing someone I care about again, but I also kept myself closed off. Shut behind high walls, thinking I was protecting myself from being hurt again. But you brought all those walls crashing down to the ground, making me feel everything at once. It was overwhelming and hard to process, but I discovered that although scary, being in love isn’t so bad. Especially when it’s with someone who’ll break several laws to get you back.”
Callen throws his head back and laughs loudly. “In my defense, I wasn’t the one who broke the laws.”
“Remind me to send Clayton a thank-you gift.”
Everything else fades into the background as I gaze into his eyes, searching his face for any sign of hesitation, but I find none.
After a few moments, a dazzling smile covers his face. “I don’t think I can live another day without you in my life.”
“I love you too.” I nip at his bottom lip, my tongue begging for entrance, which he grants.
I pull him closer to me. Nothing but pure, unadulterated desire courses through my veins as we break apart with a gasp. Loud applause fills the entire lobby as Callen places my feet on the floor.
“You two are so adorable,” the receptionist beams at us before gasping in surprise. “Let me grab my phone!”
“What?” I whisper before I feel a slight tug on my arm and turn my attention to Callen, who’s on one knee. “What are you doing?”
“Making you mine before you can change your mind.” He winks at me before popping open a black box and thrusting it toward me.
