Page 7 of A Secret Promise

Did she just say—-

His gaze bored into her, and Vixen burst into laughter.

"I'm sorry," she said sheepishly. "I've always wanted to use that line."

Rule shook his head. "You have the strangest bucket list."

"But..." She looked at him mischievously. "You like me anyway."

"Yes. I do."

His words, combined with his resigned tone, had her laughing again, but when she looked at him again...

"Do you know how you're looking at me right now?"

Vixen slowly shook her head.

"It's the same way I've been looking at you since the start."

Her lips parted in surprise, and Rule's chest tightened at the sight.

Thisright here...

Thiswas another thng that made Vixen different. If any of the other women he had dated in the past would have looked at himin this manner, his response would have been immediate and carnal in nature.

But with Vixen, it wasn't just that.

He desired her, yes.

But he also wantedmore.

With Vixen, he always wanted more, and that was why—-

"Tell me what I need to do, Vixen." Rule was completely serious about wanting her to be a part of his life. "What would make you date me?"

Vixen's uncertainty was evident in the way she bit her lip. "I know you thought I was joking earlier, but I wasn't. And I don't think you're ready—-"

"Try me," Rule challenged.

"I made a promise to God."

How very...Vixen-like.

"And I've never told anyone about it."

"Until now."

"Uh huh."

'And the promise you made—-"

"—-is that I'll only date the man He wants me to marry."

He stared at her, and her expression turned rueful. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"You're not joking, are you?"

Vixen shook her head.