Angelle didn’t argue her point, but she crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him.
“Fine!” he finally burst out. “I’m not jealous of him, but I don’t like him gifting my female little trinkets. He has no business trying to impress you.”
“He’s not trying to impress me. He’s trying to welcome me.”
“No he’s not. He’s trying to impress you.”
“Even if he was. Do you think it’s working?”
“You put his little wooden whatever it is on our shelves!”
“Yes, I did. Because to me it’s representative of us, no matter what he thought it might represent originally. And like it or not, it’s mine now. Do not move my beast.”
“So, it’s your beast now?”
“It’s a representation of my beast.”
Boon remained where he was, a slight smirk curving one corner of his lips into what might be the beginnings of a smile. “So, if it’s a representation of your beast, who exactly does it represent?”
“You know very well it represents you. You’re my beast.”
He hopped up off the sofa and had her loosely in his arms, looking down into her eyes as he grinned at her. “So, I’m yours? You’re claiming me?”
“Yes,” Angelle said. “As afraid as I am, I feel the same way you spoke of earlier. I’m more afraid to be without you than anything else I’m feeling. You’re mine. I can’t ignore that.”
He grinned. “Does that make you my beauty?”
“Not hardly. Beauty has not ever been something I had to contend with.”
“I disagree. You’re perfect. Soft, expressive eyes. Pale pink lips. Beautiful brown hair that catches the sun just right and shines like it was polished. Your soul looks through your eyes and it melts me every time your eyes meet mine. I would die for you.”
Angelle smiled up at him as she lifted a hand to caress his jaw. “Please don’t do that. Just when I’ve decided to entrust you with all that I am I’d be sorely disappointed if you died and left me here all alone.”
“I’ll never leave you all alone. I promise you’ll never regret choosing me.”
“I’ll do my best to make sure that you’ll never regret choosing me.”
“Are you breathing?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said, a little confusion clear in her tone.
“Then I don’t regret choosing you.”
Angelle laughed.
“I like that sound.”
“I like the feeling. I don’t usually laugh a lot.”
“You will now. I’ll see to it.”
“Promise?” she asked.
“Promise.” Boon looked down into her eyes, and slowly lowered his head toward her. His intention was to kiss her lips, but to give her plenty of time to let him know if she wasn’t ready.
But Angelle surprised him when she reached up and pulled his head down to quickly smash his lips against hers. “I don’t want to wait anymore. It’s decided. Let’s finalize it.”
“Are you sure?” Boon asked.
