My pulse quickens. Not just in my chest, though it’s pounding there, but in my ears. And when she steps through the door looking as confident and gorgeous as ever…
Everything in my world makes sense.
It’s her, my heart tells my brain.
She’s the reason it never worked out with anyone else before. She’s the reason I fought so hard for so many years.
Every turn I took—right or wrong—brought me here to her.
Because she’s the one.
Thank God she gave me another chance. I’m not going to blow it this time.
Kathryn’s gaze meets mine, and my heart melts.
“Hey,” she says, flashing a shy grin. As if she’s not sure whether or not I’m going to make good on my promise this time.
I don’t blame her. I have a lot of trust to rebuild. That’s okay. I’m up for the task.
She’s worth it.
“Hey.” I return the grin and greeting. I give her a quick glance, appreciating the effort she put into looking as beautiful as ever for me. “You’re gorgeous.”
“Oh… Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I take a step closer and offer her my hand. “And thank you.”
Her brow furrows. “For?”
“A few things, actually.”
“Such as?”
“First, for giving me another shot. I know.” I hold up my free hand before she can say it. “I know I’m on probation. You don’t have to worry.”
Her lips twitch, as if she’s trying not to smile. “What else?”
“Thank you for wearing that dress.” I give it another appreciative look. “You’re beautiful all the time, but tonight… Thank you.”
“For a Navy Seal, you’re an awfully smooth talker.”
I chuckle at that and squeeze her hand. “And thank you for not arguing with me when I said you were gorgeous. I could see you wanted to, and, well, I’d hate to start the night out by fighting with you.”
She laughs at that. The sweet sound is like winning the fucking lottery.
“Like I said…” She shakes her head. “You’re way too smooth of an operator.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
She gasps when we pull in front of the botanical garden. I kill the engine and have the pleasure of seeing her face light up.
I swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. “You said you always wanted to come here.”
“And you remembered.”
“Of course, I did.”
Her lips part slightly. Close again.
