Her face softens, and she stretches up to capture my lips with her own. I breathe her in, relishing the taste of her. The scent of her. The feel of her body against mine. I’ll do everything in my power not to give her up. “I love you too.” She presses another kiss to my lips. “I want a future together. We’ll have ups and downs, but I want to wake up and choose you every day. Will you do the same?”
“I will,” I vow. “I’m going to read some of the books you like too. Will you tell me your favorites?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to give them a chance and to see why you love them so much.”
Her mouth relaxes into a gentle smile. “Okay, then.”
“So it’s you and me?” I ask, not wanting to take anything for granted.
“You and me,” she agrees, and I feel the rightness of it in my soul.
“Now, let me properly introduce you to my family.”
Epilogue – Three Months Later
Tony
Sweat drips from the tips of my hair as I execute the punch-kick combination Seth has called. His expression doesn’t change as my strikes land on the pads. They’re a bit weaker than they were pre-injury, but my technique is good, and best of all, there’s no pain. The timer beeps, and he bumps his padded fist against mine.
“You’re looking good.” He nods approvingly. “I spoke to the P.T. this morning, and now that I’ve seen you myself, I agree with them. You’re ready to return to training.”
“Yes!” I pump my fist.
“But,” he holds up a finger, “You have to build up slowly and let us know if you’re hurting.”
“I won’t let you down.” I can’t hide a grin. It took me longer than I’d like to get to this point, but that’s only because I’m impatient. As Lucia keeps telling me, I’ve recovered more quickly than many people would.
Seth slips the pads off and jerks a thumb toward the changing room. “Hit the showers. I want to see you back here tomorrow.”
“You got it, coach.” I remove my gloves as I head to the lockers where my gear is stored. On the way, I pass several of my training buddies who bump my fist and welcome me back. Yeah, this is pretty damn perfect.
But I know something that will make it better.
I shower properly, taking the time to wash my hair, and dress in my best jeans and a collared shirt. Checking my watch, I see I’ll be on time to pick Lucia up for our date. She doesn’t know what I have in store, but I’m hoping she’ll like it.
I leave the gym and drive to her place, where I park in the crowded lot and jog to her door. I knock and wait while she answers. When she does, lust thrums in my blood. It seems to never die around Lucia. I always want her. Constantly. Relentlessly. Especially when she’s looking as drop-dead gorgeous as she does tonight, with a deep blue dress hugging her curves and bringing out the color of her eyes.
“Wow,” I breathe when I remember how to think. “You look incredible.”
“Thank you.” She puckers her lips for a kiss, which I plant on her before guiding her out of the apartment. “Are you going to tell me where you’re taking me?”
“Nope.” I wink, enjoying the flash of chagrin that crosses her face. She’s impatient, but she’s also excited about the surprise. She loves when I do something special for her. “Trust me, sweetheart.”
“I do.”
We walk hand in hand to the car, and I instruct her to keep her eyes shut while I drive. When we arrive at the bar, I find a nearby parking spot.
“You can open your eyes now.”
She blinks and her eyelashes flutter. She looks around and laughs. “Well, that was anticlimactic. I’ve got no idea where we are.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to let you down.” I lock my door and round the car to help her out. We walk half a block to the bar’s entrance and wait while the bouncer checks her ID. He doesn’t bother with mine, and I’m not sure whether to be insulted, but I let it go. Inside, groups of people are clustered around bar leaners. The overhead lights have a pink tinge, and the vibe is very eighties. I lead her to the only free table, glad I called ahead, so they haven’t begun yet.
“Stay here,” I tell her.
“Wait, you’re leaving me?”
