I meant it when I said she’s everything to me. I’d burn down every barrier, climb over every wall, do whatever the hell it takes to make this right. She deserves that, and I’m gonna make sure she knows it.
A strand of her hair falls across her face, and I can’t help myself. I gently brush it away, being as careful as I can not to wake her. She stirs a little, nuzzles closer, and damn if that doesn’t hit me right in the chest.
“I love you,” I whisper, even though I know she can’t hear me. “I’m going to fix this. I promise.”
She lets out a contented sigh, and her fingers tighten around my shirt, making my heart squeeze in discomfort. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. It’s not just the fact that she’s beautiful or funny or that she drives me wild in ways I never thought possible. It’s more than that. I’ve never imagined myself feeling like this for anyone. Hell, I always thought I was the type of guy who’d be fine with casual. I even convinced myself that the whole “one person forever” thing was a bit of a fairy tale. I was so wrong.
I need to figure out how to make this work. I could visit more, but I’d have to have a word with Knox about that. Maybe I could find work here in the States, but that would mean stepping away from the family business. Not exactly an easy choice.
As I’m tangled up in my thoughts, she shifts against me and her eyes flutter open. She blinks a couple of timesbefore focusing on my face, and the soft, sleepy look in her eyes makes everything inside me settle.
A slow, lazy smile spreads across her lips, and I realize I’ve been staring at her like an idiot. And for some reason, that makes me feel like the luckiest idiot alive.
“Hey,” she murmurs. “How long was I out?”
I press a kiss to her forehead, letting my lips linger for just a moment longer than usual. “A couple hours. How are you feeling?”
She blinks up at me. “Better.”
Before I can respond, her stomach growls loudly, and I can’t help but quirk a brow at her. “Let’s get you fed. You’re going to need your strength for what I have planned for you.”
Her cheeks flush that perfect shade of pink, but there’s a spark in her eyes as her grin turns downright troublesome. “Oh, really? And what exactly do you have planned, Mr. MacKenzie?”
I stand, pulling her up with me, our bodies brushing as I keep her close. “First, dinner. Then…” I lower my voice, trailing slow kisses down the curve of her neck, savoring the way she shudders against me. “I’m going to show you just how much I’ve missed you. Every. Single. Inch.”
She lets out a gasp, and it’s all I can do not to carry her off right then and there. “Well, when you put it that way…”
I chuckle, forcing myself to take a step back. “Food first, love. Can’t have you passing out on me later.”
Her smirk widens as she leans in, her fingers trailing down my chest and leaving a line of heat in their wake. Her lips brush my ear, and her voice drops to a teasing whisper. “You’re right. Can’t get too distracted.”
Distracted? I’m one kiss away from losing all sense of reason.This woman. She’ll be the death of me, and I’ll go willingly, smiling the whole way. I’ll even throw in a “thank you” as I trip into oblivion.
twenty-five
BREE
We’re sitting at my ridiculously small kitchen table, eating the breakfast Callan made before I even rolled out of bed. And by “eating,” I mean I’m nibbling while watching him fidget like a caffeinated squirrel. His knee’s bouncing, and his fingers are tapping out a whole symphony on his ceramic mug.
“You’re awfully restless,” I say, biting back a laugh as his drumming picks up speed.
He freezes and gives me one of those sheepish, knowing looks. “Sorry. I don’t sit still very well.”
I raise an eyebrow, fighting to keep my tone serious. “What, is my tiny condo too boring for you already? Does the absence of a medieval castle and rolling hills throw you off?”
His eyes go wide, like I actually think he’s offended by my humble abode. “No, lass. It’s not you or the place.” He gestures vaguely around, his Scottish accent coming through a little stronger. “It’s me. I need to do something, even if it’s just pacing.”
“I’m kidding, Cal. We can go out and do something today, though.”
“We don’t need to go anywhere just for me,” he says as he leans back in his chair. “It’s been less than twenty-four hours since you passed out at work. I’m perfectly happy staying here. Especially after the workout I gave you last night.”
My cheeks instantly flush, and I narrow my eyes at the smug grin spreading across his ridiculously handsome face. Workout is an understatement.
I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Well, I’m fine now. Better than fine, actually.” I meet his gaze, my lips curving into a slow, deliberate smile. “And I’m not opposed to another…workout.”
His eyes darken, that signature smirk tugging at his mouth as he leans forward, his voice dropping to a teasing rumble. “Is that so, Sunshine? I figured you might need more recovery time.”
I lift my chin, meeting his intense stare with as much confidence as I can muster. “I’m tougher than I look, MacKenzie.”
