Page 267 of Broken Saint

“If you want us to stay at your mom’s, we can. I just thought?—”

“It’s perfect,” she breathes, her attention turning back to the house.

I thought it was pretty when I saw the listing with its big wrap-around deck and the lake that spreads out from the backyard, but it’s so much better in person.

“I just thought…” A lump of emotion crawls up my throat and cuts off my words.

“Come on,” Ella says, pushing the door open, eager to get out.

“Wait,” I call, hopping out of the car and racing around to her side to help her.

Her eyes hold mine as I lift her down, and the air crackles between us.

“I’ve missed you so much, Bombshell,” I confess, reaching out and cupping her jaw.

“Me too.”

Leaning forward, I rest my brow against hers.

No words are said as we stare into each other’s eyes.

Everything is so much more now. And I know she feels it, too.

Sensing that I’m struggling, she takes my hand, the one I punched Chad with, and lifts it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss there.

My heart skips a beat at her tenderness, the unconditional love that shines in her eyes.

“Take me inside, Colt. I need you.”

“Ella,” I breathe, still battling to contain my emotions.

With our fingers entwined, she leads me toward the house.

After punching the code into the front door, I push it open and let her walk in first.

“Wow,” she breathes, taking in the impressive entry hall and the huge statement staircase.

“Yeah,” I agree, but my eyes are firmly locked on her. “Beautiful.”

Sensing my attention, she turns back to look at me.

“Tour or?—”

“Bedroom,” she finishes for me.

Fuck. I love this woman.

“Come on then,” I say, ducking down so that I can sweep her off her feet.

“Colt,” she squeals. “Put me down. I’m too heavy to carry,” she demands as I take off up the stairs.

“You’re light as a feather.”

“Not true,” she argues.

“Wriggle all you want; you’re mine now, and I’ll carry you around as much as I like.”

Tightening her grip on my neck, she leans in and places a kiss on my jaw.