“Did you mean it?”
Her brows scrunched together. “Of course, I meant it.”
“Say it again.”
She blinked at the somewhat harsh order. “What?”
“Say it again, Gracelynn.” He took her face between both hands then. “I need to hear you say the words again. Here. Now. Not because you feel the need to make some sort of dying declaration, but because you want to.” He leaned down and gently pressed his lips against hers. “Say it again, baby,” he whispered. “Please.”
“I love you, Nate.”
He smiled wide and kissed her again. “God, Gracie. I love you, too.”
“Really?”
Nate chuckled. “Yes, really.”
Her smile grew even bigger, even as her eyes drew closed and her words slurred. “That’s good.”
“Yeah, baby,” he agreed. “It sure as hell is.”
Epilogue
Three weeks later…
Gracie stretched her muscles, relieved when she felt not even the slightest twinge of pain in her rib. She was getting stronger with each day that passed.
Not that she had much of a choice with Nate around.
The man had been so sweet and attentive, but she couldn’t so much as fix herself a sandwich without him harping on her to go sit back down and let him do it.
Although, after hearing the story of everything that happened after she’d passed out in the car, she had a better understanding of why he was being so overprotective.
After she’d been discharged from the hospital, Nate had insisted he stay at her apartment while she recovered. Thanks to Jake, the mess from her break-in had been completely cleaned up.
Climbing out of bed, she headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. When she was finished, she decided to put on Nate’s favorite shirt…sans panties.
He’d been taking care of every single need she’d had since coming home from the hospital. With the exception of one.
The frustratingly caring man was still so worried about her physical recovery, he was afraid to touch her romantically for fear he’d hurt her.
The only thing hurting her now was the constant ache between her legs.
Determined to remedy that situation, Gracie headed out to the living room where Nate was typing away on his computer.
“What are you working on?” she asked nonchalantly.
Practically slamming his laptop shut, his eyes shot to hers. “Nothing. Do you need something? I can get it for you.”
Okay…that was odd.
He started to stand, but Gracie pushed down on his shoulder. Stepping between his open legs, she leaned down and nibbled his earlobe. “As a matter of fact,” she whispered. “There is one thing you can help me with.”
“Gracie,” Nate started to warn her away.
Nope. Not this time.
“I’m fine, Nate.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ve been cleared by the doctor and everything.”
