Page 60 of Sinful Negotiations

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It was past time to settle things between them. He wanted Tessa in his life on a permanent basis…no rules, no exceptions, and no contracts. He wanted her beside him every night and each morning. Her taste lingered in his mouth, and he licked his lips. The sight of her on the front porch calmed his turbulent emotions.

He gazed into the depth of her hazel eyes and slowly lowered her to the ground. It was on the tip of his tongue to profess his love, but he kissed her one more time instead. That she believed him, trusted him, waited for him meant more than she would ever know.

When she caught him on the trail, he glanced over his shoulder, but continued on the path.

“Why the FBI?”

“I never wanted to work in the family business. Aidan wanted the business part, but not the family business. Jeaniewas a psychologist, my handler, and makeup artist for years. She’s been my familiar since she started her own family.”

“Familiar?”

“The person who pulls me back when I go too deep undercover.”

“You’re being awful forthcoming now?”

“Because I’m retiring.”

“Why?”

Alex whipped around and caught her in his arms. “For you. I don’t want this life anymore.”

“But you love your job.”

He trailed one hand over her hair. “I love you more.”

“No.” She shoved his chest. “You’re not quitting what you love doing for me, or because of what happened. That gives a dead criminal power over us. No. I want to go home.”

Alex leaned over to make sure she heard every word. “You’re not going anywhere except up this path, and if you fight me, I’ll toss you over my shoulder.” He glanced at the sky, and the full moon in the twilight. “We’re almost there.”

“Almost where?”

“You’ll see.”

Chapter 49

The sound of rushing water reached her first, followed by the view of a waterfall. “Oh my God, Alex. This is beautiful.” They stood on a cliff, overlooking the waterfall and river below. Thick trees and rocks surrounded the valley, and stars twinkled overhead. “Amazing.”

“My parents used to bring me here when I was a kid. Come sit on the blanket.”

Tessa dropped to her knees but couldn’t take her eyes away from the breathtaking view. “I had no idea this was here.”

“Wait until the moonlight hits the water.”

“What happens then?”

“Just wait and see. Here, have a water and an apple.”

Tessa glanced at the juicy fruit and the bottle of water but lifted her gaze to his. “You thought of everything.”

He bit a chunk of his apple and licked sweet juice from his lips. Her eyes lowered, focusing on his mouth. So sexy. She desperately wanted him. She’d thought time apart might douse the flames, but it only made it worse. How thoughtful he could be, but how irresistible he was reclined on the blanket, nibbling on an apple, and grinning like a devil. Stars reflected in his blue eyes, and she inhaled a deep breath.

That’s when she remembered what he said on the trail.I love you more. What was in her heart refused to be ignored any longer.

“I love you, Alex.” The words tumbled out in a rush, but there was no embarrassment. It was a profound, undeniable truth.

He dropped the apple, pulled her over his body, and kissed her so passionately she thought they might cause a forest fire. Heavy lids lifted and his eyes locked on hers. His face tilted, eyes sliding over every inch of her face. “Marry me, Tessa.”