“Oh… Rowan…” He kisses my neck before looking me in the eye. “That was good.”
“That was very good.” I kiss him before bending down to pull up my underwear. “I’m dressed okay?”
“Are you kidding? I might’ve settled for watching you and jerking off. Maybe next time, that’s all I’ll do.” There’s a wicked little gleam in his eye. He likes to keep me guessing.
He takes my face in his hands, smiling. Now he’s just Lucian. Not the powerful business owner. Not the man with connections to just about all kinds of shady, scary people. I can’t even remember why I was so afraid of him at one time. “You’re incredible. Thank you for being so perfect for me.”
“Hey. It’s not like I don’t get anything out of it.” But that’s not completely honest. It doesn’t say anything about what’s going on in my heart. And all of a sudden, saying what’s in my heart seems very important. Why it should seem so crucial after a year of being together, I don’t know. The moment just feels right.
“I love you.”
His eyes widen a little. For a second, I’m afraid I said the wrong thing. I should’ve kept it to myself. This is why I need to keep my mouth shut instead of randomly spouting things off. It must be the whole coming-off-an-orgasm thing. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have?—”
“I love you, too.” He strokes my cheeks with his thumbs. “Did you think you had to apologize? You took me off guard, is all. But the feeling’s there, Rowan. It’s always been there.”
I’m so relieved, I could cry. “Thank you.” Now I can’t help but laugh. “I’m all mixed up.”
“You’re perfect just the way you are.” He kisses me softly before touching hisforehead to mine. He’s come such a long way this year. My protector, yes, but also my love. Being indebted to him was the best thing that could’ve happened to both of us.
He pulls me along with him, headed for where he left the car. “Come on. Let’s go home so I can give you a bath and a back rub. You’ve earned both.”
The man makes a good argument.
