“Oh. Well, thanks.” A little late, but so thoughtful.
He sighed. “When I say I’m nice, I’m really nice. I’m only a dickhead on the ice.”
“You are a little cocky.”
“No, I’m honest. I try really hard not to hurt people’s feelings.” He sneered, “My mother ruined me and my sister at an early age.”
She bit her lip.
“And the old man was just as bad. He was brutal about manners and being kind. This from a guy who served time for beating people up. An enforcer for… Never mind.” Damon flushed. “I’m not badass, Marlie. I’m just me. Yeah, I’m big. And yeah, I can fight. But I don’t really enjoy it unless I’m protecting something or someone I love.”
He stared into her eyes.
Her heart raced.
“And I love you.”
CHAPTER 36
Damon knew he’d made a mistake the minute he said the words. But he couldn’t take them back. Marlie looked poleaxed, but his mouth kept moving.
“I fell in love with you at first sight. It’s the fucking Sinclair Gift.”
“Gift?” she asked weakly.
He groaned. “Ask my father. He’ll tell you. It’s something that happens to us Sinclairs. When we fall, we fall hard. Love at first sight. I knew it as soon as I saw you and your kissable freckles. I love everything about you. The way you boss me around. The way you love your family, how you give your all to your students and your players. You’re so smart and funny. And so fucking sexy.”
“Oh, um, what?”
He paced again, unable to stand still. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. But I lied about being a tough guy because that’s what you said you wanted. I can rock your world in bed. So I figured that’s kind of being a bad boy.” He paused. “I did actually lie to you about something else. But only by omission.”
“What else?”
“Well, your brother is in love with Jeff, but Jeff swore to me to silence.”
“What?”
He nodded. “I blackmailed him. Told Jeff he had to help me get you to fall in love with me. Told him I’m going to marry you.”
“Marry…me?”
He sighed, feeling as if he was blowing it big time. But his woman wanted honesty. “I know. You’re out of my league. Hot, intelligent. You don’t need anyone. You have a family that loves you and a place you fit in. I come with baggage. A lot of fame nobody wants. Yeah, I have money, but who the fuck cares? Not you. I mean, if you were into rich guys, I’m your man. But you could have had Ben and you ditched him.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry I lied about Jeff.”
“That big faker. No wonder he didn’t tell me about his new boyfriend.” Marlie’s expression darkened.
“He knew you’d shit a brick. But he does love Will. And Will is in love with him too.”
“He told you that?”
“I caught them making out at the Jeff’s clinic. Plus, it’s obvious the way they look at each other.”
“How’s that?”
He stopped pacing and approached her, cupping her cheeks and staring into her eyes. “The way I look at you.”
She gazed up at him. “You really love me? We just met.”
“I know. It makes no sense. Trust me. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”
