But that was the insecurity talking—and maybe a lingering bit of Jaxon’s poison. Salinger rescued my dog, and now here he is, begging me to take him back.
“Mandy.” He drops to his knees in front of me, his hands on my wrists, which are still holding Pepper. “I’m sure of you and me. Please give me another chance. I can give you everything you deserve and more.”
“I don’t need you to give me things.”
He looks crestfallen, like I’m about to reject him.
“I already told you,” I add, “I don’t need someone to buy me fancy things or be my big strong protector—”
“Actually…”
“Fine. Recent events notwithstanding. I want someone who’s going to put in the work and build a life with me. I want a partner. I want someone to laugh with and raise a family with, someone who’s not—”
“An asshole?” he offers.
“I don’t need a whirlwind romance. I need dependability.”
“And does that mean I’m disqualified?”
“No. I mean, you are an asshole, but I’ve seen you turn it off when you’re motivated. I know you like to think you’re a villain, Salinger, but I think there’s a heart of… maybe not gold, but at least sterling silver.” I smile down at him. “You said you loved me earlier.”
“I meant it. I’ll always love you.” There’s sincerity in those gray eyes.
“I didn’t get to answer. I love you too. Probably against my better judgment.”
“No, it’s excellent judgment.” He stands up and wraps me in his strong arms. Then he’s kissing me like he never wants to let me go. “I love you, Mandy,” he whispers.
“I’m covered in dirt,” I murmur against his mouth. “I’ll ruin your suit.”
“I don’t care. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Pepper yelps as she’s smushed between us.
“You won’t regret this,” he swears, stepping back. “I’ll be supportive and not an asshole unless it’s work related, so if I make you cry during contract negotiations, don’t hold it against me.”
I snort. “Okay, but if I makeyoucry, you can’t hold that against me, either. After all, I’m not going to be impressed by your charm because I can get the whole cow at home.”
“I’ll be very wholesome.” He presses a hand to his broad chest. “Well.” He smirks. “Not that wholesome.”
“Boo! Ignore her!” Gran calls from behind me.
“Mandy wants nice gifts and flowers and fancy vacations!” Amy calls.
“You don’t marry a man like that just to have a boring life!” Gran adds.
“Don’t let him fool you—he gets mad if you step on his grass,” I call back.
“As he should, Mandy. You can’t step on a man’s grass,” my dad says.
“She wants a nice house with a guest suite,” Lauren shouts out the window.
“And buy her some new clothes.” My mom jostles my grandmother out of the way. “Let Salinger take you shopping, honey. All the elastic is broken in your pants. I’ve been handwashing the underwear he bought you. He has very good taste.”
“Oh my god.” I lean against his massive chest. “Will the nightmares never end?”
Salinger smiles in my hair. “Your family loves you.”
“And they adore you.”
