She didn’t budge. “What about?”
“About your new career.”
Her lips thinned. “I can’t believe Harper told you.”
“You don’t think it’s any of my business?”
“No.”
He took a step closer, then wished he hadn’t when he inhaled her soft perfume. “I spent weeks protecting you, trying to keep you safe. Now you’re out there putting your life in danger.”
“What do you care, Jason? You didn’t want me. You wanted your own life, and I wasn’t part of it.”
His chest clamped down. “You think I didn’t want you? That’s what you think?”
“Of course that’s what I think. We aren’t together. That’s the choice you made.”
His eyes found hers, and he saw the pain hiding just beneath the surface. He’d told himself he had done the right thing, that it was the best thing for Kate. Now he wondered... What if he had been wrong?
“You don’t understand,” he said. “I saw the way your sister’s death affected you. I saw the way you looked when you sat next to me in that hospital room, the pain in your face, the worry and fear. I didn’t want to risk making you suffer that way again.”
“I see. By ending things, you were just looking out for me.”
“Dammit, Kate! Can’t you see? I was trying to protect you!”
Kate looked up at him. “Protect me? From what, Jason? Life? Well, I don’t want to be protected from life. I could have had that with Andrew. I want to live my life—every single minute of it. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
The words hit him like a blow. She was going to go ahead without him. And he wouldn’t even be there to protect her. “I wanted you, Kate. I’ve never wanted anything more than I wanted you.” He couldn’t hold back the words. “I still do.”
Tears sprang into her eyes. “Is that the truth, Jason? You really thought you were protecting me?”
“I’d never hurt you, Kate. I’d do anything to keep that from happening. What if something happened to me? I could have died that night. The kind of work I do, there would never be any guarantees.”
The tears in her eyes rolled down her cheeks. “Haven’t you figured it out yet, Jason? I love you. I would rather be with you for a few years, a few months, even a few days than never be with you again.”
Something tore open inside him, something deep and fierce. He pulled her into his arms, drawing her so close he could feel the beating of her heart. “I want you, honey. So damn much. Being without you is killing me. I love you, Kate Gallagher. I’ve never said those words to another woman. I’ve never felt the things I feel for you. I’d do anything for you, baby. Anything. Even give you up.”
Her arms went around his neck and a sob caught in her throat. “You don’t have to give me up, Jason. Not ever.”
His throat swelled and he held her even tighter. She loved him. And God knew he loved her. “This is your last chance. If you stay with me now, I’ll never let you go.”
Kate tipped her head back and smiled up at him through her tears. “I’m yours forever if that’s what you want.”
Relief made his whole body lighter, as if the awful burden he had been carrying had been lifted off his shoulders. “I love you, Kate. I feel like my heart can start beating again.”
And as the words spilled out, Jase realized it was the truth.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Kate yawned as she padded into the kitchen the following morning. They had spent the night together, and it had been perfect. She was crazy in love with Jason, and now she knew he loved her, too. Deep down she had always believed that, but she had never imagined he would actually do something about it.
There were still obstacles ahead of them. First she had to convince him that working with the FBI was the right thing for her to do. She wasn’t backing down, but she believed this time they would find a way to work things out.
“Smells great,” she said, inhaling the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs. Pouring a mug of coffee, she carried it over and sat down at the table.
“I figured it was my turn.” Jase turned off the stove and started dishing up the food.
Kate sipped her coffee. “A guy as hot as you who also knows how to cook? I am one lucky woman.”
