“You did this?”My jaw is on the ground. “But why?”
“Why?” Bode shakes his head. “Because I love you, Stevie. I would do anything to protect you and I’m sorry I waited so long to do it. I thought the statement from the team would be enough, but it wasn’t.”
“Well, between this and figuring out who was behind the emails, I have a feeling it might end.”
“Wait, what?” He looks confused.
I nod. “Becky, from work. She was sending the emails. She accidentally sent one to Cressy and left part of a cancellation at the bottom.”
“Holy shit. I can’t believe that. I’ve never met the woman before.”
“And yet, she felt she was entitled to you. She probably sent my name to the press.”
“Well, if she did, we’ll know. I had someone looking into it. Good thing she copied the wrong person.”
“I really hope it’s over. I hate people thinking I’m a terrible person,” I confess.
“If it helps,” he starts, “people are now supporting me, having my back. They can’t believe others would behave that way.”
“Between this and figuring out it was Becky, I think the emails and messages will stop. I shouldn’t have kept checking, but I was hoping the nastiness would go away.”
“I think it will.” There’s a fierceness to his words that makes me believe him.
“I’m sorry this ever happened.”
Tears gather in my eyes. It feels like they’ve been a permanent fixture there. “But it’s over. I really think it is.”
“Me too.”
“Oh, Bode.” This time, I can’t help crying. Everything I’ve been feeling the last few weeks comes out.
The anger. The frustration. The sadness.
I let it all go. Safe in Bode’s arms.
“I love you, Stevie.”
He repeats it over and over, sinking his fingers into my hair and holding me close. By the time the tears subside, Bode is wiping them away. A tender look sits on his handsome face.
“What?”
He smiles, so big it threatens to overwhelm me in the best way. “You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
My heart splits wide open for this man who loves me so much, he is quoting my favorite movie to me. “Do you realize how much I loveyouright now?”
“Most ardently, I hope.”
I kiss him, smothering his face in kisses. “Darcy doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
“I will spend our entire lives making sure you know just how much I love you, Stevie. Protecting you from people that want to hurt you and tear you down. And look, if you’re not ready to move in with me, I have all your rent money for you to help you find a good place. Even if you want to stay here, I’ll still come over and see you as often as I can.”
“You still have my rent money?” I ask. Of course he didn’t do anything with it. “Why am I not surprised?”
“It’s yours. We’ll go find a place this weekend.”
I shake my head. “We’re not doing that.”
“No?” He quirks a brow at me.
