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She saw Boone stiffen. “I don’t want a reward.”
“You’ve earned it.”
“No.” Boone’s tone was sharp.
Gemma hid her smile. She reached out her hand and Boone took it, their fingers tangling.
Her father’s gaze dropped to their linked hands, and his brow creased. Then he got a blank look that she knew well—his business face.
“Ah.” Her father nodded. “I see you want an even bigger reward.”
“Yes, I do,” Boone said.
Gemma frowned. “Dad—”
“Fine.” Her father held up a hand, his gaze locked on Boone. “I’ll cut you a check. One million dollars.”
Gemma gasped. For one horrible second, she was a teenager again, discovering that the boy she cared about was only interested in her because of her dad’s money.
“Take the money, Hendrix, and leave my daughter alone.”
Boone shook his head. “When I said a bigger reward, I didn’t mean money, Newhouse. I meant Gemma.”
She jolted.
Boone turned to her. “Gemma, I’ve been closed off from life for a long time. I didn’t want to feel or care. I didn’t want to risk losing another person I loved.”
Her insides melted.
“But from the moment I pulled you from my river, you’ve given me no choice.” He cupped her cheeks. “You charmed me, made me smile, baked me delicious things.”
She laughed.
“Most of all, you made me feel. You made me want. You dragged me back to life. Every day, you amaze me with your strength and kindness. I could be offered a hundred million dollars, hell, a billion dollars, and you’re still worth more to me. I’m not sure I’m good enough for you—”
She gripped his wrists. “You are. You absolutely are.”
“All I can promise is to love you. To keep you safe. And every day, work my damned hardest to make you happy.”
“Oh, Boone.”
“Hell of a speech.”
Gemma didn’t look away from Boone, but she recognized Shep’s voice.
“Sure was,” Vander agreed.
She ignored them, and dragged Boone’s head down for a kiss. She didn’t hold back, pouring everything she felt into it.
When they finally broke apart, she licked her lips, and they shared a smile.
Then anger hit her. She turned to face her father…
Only to find him smiling at them.
He held out a hand to Boone. “Welcome to the family.”
Gemma frowned. “That was a test?”
