“We’ll find a way to make it work in the office.” His face strains. “I should probably tell you that the blackmail material kind of had to do with my dad and his intern at his office.”
I roll my eyes. “Great. Now you probably have to enter therapy because of the similarities,” I say, sarcastic.
“Nah. I’m okay,” he grins comfortably, then turns serious. “We’ll go at whatever pace you want. I will be a better man because of you. I hope you realize that.”
I’m confident when I say, “I do.” Another moment is lost between us as we soak one another in. Extending this moment between us as we enter a new phase of our relationship.
He examines me differently this time, his face breaking the seriousness. “The crown and Miss Everhope sash… do you get to keep it?” His eyes flash with complete innuendo.
“If I say yes, I have a feeling you will throw me over your shoulder, and I actually need to pick a pie winner.”
“Fine.” He exaggerates his sigh. “I’ll wait to make up for lost time.”
I smile, and we kiss once more before I shake him away.
Clicking my tongue, I hitch my thumb over my shoulder. “Gotta go. Responsibilities and all.”
I begin to walk away, but he catches my fingers, reeling me back in. “I’ll be waiting. I’ll go check out the state cow winner. And only you would ever cause me to say that sentence.”
I sputter a laugh. “City boy.”
“I’ll enjoy it because I love you.”
I take a second and let out a serene breath. “I like hearing that.”
He lets me go, and I begin to continue my task of the day. I notice my aunt knowingly smiling at me. She quickly joins me and gives me a hard side-hug.
“He came to see me this morning.”
Does that surprise me?No. Julian will take any means necessary to get what he wants.
“You found someone,” she says.
“I did.”
And finally, I feel safe for the long road ahead.
With him.
We walkinto his room at the inn, hand in hand. I’m surprised Julian didn’t yank me in. Instead, he’s letting me lead the way.We talked on our walk from the festival, and I get to set the pace even if we both agree that what’s between us is real and the future.
With the door closed, we finally meet for a kiss that nobody can see. A kiss for us. It’s endearing and soft, then deeper.
“I love you,” he whispers again as his mouth trails along my jawline.
“And I love you. I believe we have to make up properly.” My fingers begin to claw at his chest near his buttons.
“Couldn’t agree more.” His hands travel between us, and the click of his belt triggers a thought in my mind.
Julian isn’t the man I imagined when I was summoned to work for him. Nor am I the woman I was. Myconfidence never left me, but my desire for his control only grew.
“Julian,” I purr as his lips kiss the corner of my mouth.
“Yes.”
“Your belt. Let’s use it.” His head retreats in surprise. “You tied me with a ribbon, but a belt is stronger.”I step forward to close our space, and my fingers find the clasp of his belt.
His face floods with understanding. “And I’ll never let you escape from me again.”
