“I mean it. She’s notjustanything.”
My heart swells. Over the past few weeks, this attraction has been bubbling away and tonight might just be the night we’re together as a couple.
I’d like that.
“She’s my girl.” Mark wraps an arm around me. This iswhat I like about him—this is what I need. He makes me feel safe.
“Noted.” Ian takes a slug of his beer.
“Let’s go up to my room and get away from everyone.”
I blow out a long breath as we mount the stairs, the noise of the party fading when we reach his room and close the door behind us.
His room is sohim.
The walls are a mix of wood and dark tones—the large bed at one end features a beautifully carved headboard.
It’s all very manly and probably a bit over the top, but I love it.
“You act like you don’t want a party.”
He chuckles. “I don’t. It was Lauren's idea. She sometimes likes to party a little too much, but I don’t mind indulging her when she’s at home and I know she’s safe.”
“You live together? I never thought to ask.”
Mark nods. “It’s a long story. But I’d rather she be under this roof than anywhere else.”
“I can understand that.”
He takes a step toward me. “I’d love it if you stayed with me tonight. We’ll leave the rest of them shut out and stay in here.”
My heart races. “I’d love to.”
“You’ve got a babysitter for the night?”
My cheeks flush with heat. “My neighbour’s staying over.”
He raises his hand to cup my neck. “I like a woman who plans ahead.”
I press my palms to his chest. “I like you.”
His eyes flash with excitement. “Maybe I’ll just show you how much I want to be with you because I like you too.”
“I won’t say no.”
And then he kisses me, and for the first time in years I can see my future.
I’m so crazy about Mark Burrows.
17
CASSIE
Eight years later
“I’m so sorry.”
I gaze at the doctor. Mark and I decided to try for a baby two years ago. With nothing happening, we went through what seemed like a million tests to see what the problem was, and we just got the news.
