“What did you just say?”
I bring my arms to my chest, crossing them at the wrist, almost as an armor. “I love the way you fuck me.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “No, smart ass, before that.”
I sweep a hand in front of my face. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“So, those words were meaningless?”
Err…
I avert my gaze.
“Michaela, I asked you a question.”
“Post-coital hormones took over my brain.” I let out a nervous laugh. “Don’t mind me. I was being silly.”
“So, you don’t love me?”
I open my mouth to lie and tell him he misunderstood, but nothing comes out.
“I guess I shouldn’t tell you I love you, too.”
My gaze snaps up to his.
My jaw drops and my eyelashes flutter so fast, I’m surprised I don’t start floating.
He rubs his thumb across my lips. “I love you, Michaela.” The conviction in his words breaks me.
“You do?”
He nods. “I love you, kitten.”
“Really?” It’s crazy to ask that question when this gorgeous man repeated his declaration three times.
“Really,” he says. “Somewhere along the line, this fake relationship became real for me.” He offers a warm smile. “You said the words first, but it doesn’t mean I don’t feel the same way you do.”
“This is surreal. We’ve only known each other for a short time.”
“So?”
“So…” I bore my eyes into his. “I’m happier than I ever thought I could be with a man I hated at first sight.”
He chuckles. “Same here, kitten. I’m happier than I ever thought I could be with a hellion.”
I smile, my cheeks reddening.
He bursts out laughing.
“What?”
“A month ago, you came barging into my office, spewing fire, swearing up and down you’d never become my wife, then you bolted out of here, leaving a trail of flames behind you. I’m surprised firefighters didn’t show up.”
I giggle.
“Look at you now, my little dragon. In love and all…”
“Guilty as charged.”
