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“The past is gone, Madison. I made the best of a horrible situation.” He gritted his teeth and hissed. “See, I was a runaway but I managed to become a billionaire. I was betrayed by the girl I loved, but now I have two adorable sons. No regret.”
“But you lost your ability to trust a woman.”
“I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted another woman. And I’ve entrusted you with my children’s emotional wellbeing.”
“But not with yours.”
“Madison, listen to me.” He cradled her face between his hands. “I buried the past forever. If anyone tries to dig it up, it’ll destroy me. And I’ll feel compelled to destroy the one responsible. I don’t want to lose you, sweetheart. Will you let it go and trust me?”
***
Despite her previous frustration, Madison couldn’t resist the appeal in his tormented gaze. She closed her eyes, relishing his touch on her cheeks. Should she give in andlet it go?
“I trust you, but ...” She opened her eyes and peered at him, anxiety beating a staccato in her heart.
“I’ve never talked about the past, not even to my wife. Shelived happily without knowing my nasty secrets. I was hoping you could be happy with me, too.”
“What if another—”
“There’ll never be another. I’m yours for as long as you want me. If you dump me—”
“I won’t, Rick.” To hell with his past. He was offering a happy present. “Unfortunately, I think I’m in love with you.” She smiled, ready to be with him.
“Ah, babe.” His beautiful, blue eyes glittered, and he lowered his head, his mouth crushing hers, his arms encircling her waist.
She was home again in his arms.
He raised his head and grinned. “I promised I wouldn’t touch you. Now, I need your permission to proceed.”
“Permission granted.” She entwined her fingers behind his neck. She knew she couldn’t resist him, but she didn’t care anymore. Why resist love and passion?
He lifted her up and carried her to the bed.
A few minutes later, they were naked, kissing and caressing each other, moaning and groaning, thrusting against each other and bursting with happiness.
Sometime later, snuggled against his strong chest, she murmured, “What will you tell the children? That I’m your girlfriend?”
“Girlfriend …Hmm. I don’t think so.” He snorted. “The word has a dubious undertone in my family. We’d better avoid it.” His arm under her neck, he turned her face to meet her eyes. “For the children, you’re their friend, and the family’s best friend. For me, you’re the love of my life.”
Her heart stopped, and her back stiffened. “Say that again.”
“You’re not the only one who’s fallen in love, babe. I did, too. You reminded me that I have a heart. And I’m thinking about a future together.” He gently stroked her cheek with a finger.
“Too early. I’m afraid—”
“Letushappen, let’s be a couple. We’ll take it slowly. You’ll find out who the man is by your side, discover his character, and decide if you would like to build a future with him and his kids.”
She nodded. “Good idea, Rick. Boy, do I ever love you.” She threw a leg around him and glided on top of him. “Love me, Rick. Love me until we’re exhausted.”
He did, until they collapsed against each other and slept.
When she woke in the morning and touched the place next to hers, he was gone, but she felt a slip of paper and read,Love you.
She texted.Good morning.At what time are we meeting with Dr. Fernandez?
He responded right away.
Thank you for coming. We’ll pick you up at 9:30. Meeting at 10:00
