A tear escaped from the corner of his eye as he whispered back, “I love you, too, darlin’.
“I-I should have said it years ago. I’m so sorry I didn’t. I’ve just heard those words from so many people who didn’t really mean them.”
His thumb moving back and forth against her jaw as he held on to the side of her neck.
“I know. First your parents...”
“Then, Caleb. But with you, it’s different.” She prayed he understood what she was saying. “Everything with you is different. I know it’s probably crazy since I just got divorced and you and I have only been together this way for two weeks, but I can’t help it. What I feel for you is more real than anything I’ve ever known, and I couldn’t go another second without telling you.”
“I’ve only been holding back because I didn’t want to scare you off. I finally got you back in my life, and I didn’t want to do or say anything to make you question this. Us.”
“I don’t.” There was no hesitation in her voice. “I see the way you look at me, Derek. The way you touch me. I’ve felt your love for me since the moment we saw each other again.”
“I feel your love, too, baby. Just think”—his voice was low as one corner of his mouth curved up—“we’re just gettin’ started.”
****
Chapter 16
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The Gardens was definitelyDallas’s new “it” restaurant. After having eaten here a few times, Derek could easily see why.
The food was out-of-this-world delicious, and the atmosphere was open and romantic. With hundreds of plants and flowers strategically placed throughout, it was easy to see how Lexi had come up with the name.
For Derek, however, it wouldn’t matter if they were eating here or getting drive-thru burgers and fries. As long as he was with Charlie, he was happy.
He still couldn’t believe she’d said she loved him. He wanted to hear those words fall from her lips again and again. She could say them a million times over, and Derek knew he’d never get tired of hearing them.
He’d been damn tempted to tear that towel from her body, throw her to the floor, and take her right then. The only thing holding him back had been the night he’d wanted to give her.
Dinner was first. When they left here, he was going to take her to a new, classy dance club that recently opened.
After that, when he couldn’t wait any longer, Derek planned to take Charlie back to his place where he’d spend the rest of the night making sweet, slow love to her.
“Do I even want to know what you’re thinking right now?”
