“I already know I’m going to love it.” He tightened his hold. “Thank you for insisting I add thekink.”
“It was my pleasure,” she said, combing her fingers through his hair. Though she smiled, sadness banked in hereyes.
And he knew why. While at the hospital, Robby had mentioned she’d booked her return flight the following day because her boss expected her back at work. Jagger suspected her hasty departure had nothing to do with Colton and everything to do with him. For the moment, he’d say nothing. He had loose ends to tie up, a publicist to fire, and one hell of a surprise to preparefor.
“I missed you, tonight,” he murmured, nibbling her earlobe. When his mouth found hers, her soft moans and tender touch turned him hard. But being with her revolved around much more than coupling. Their relationship was grounded in trust and in facing fears. They believed in each other and, in turn, themselves. In Taylor, he’d found a home that none of his hotels could ever givehim.
The kiss ended and she hugged him. Her sweet essence surrounded him, confirming what he already knew. She was theone.
“Tonight, I want to watch us in the mirror…one more…” Her voice cracked and she bowed her head. Allowing her a moment, he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Without a mask,” she continued. “Not just for you, but for me,too.”
“My brave, raven-haired beauty.” They lay beneath the blankets and snuggled close. He wanted her to know how he felt, before she left. “I love you,” he whispered as they gazed up at the bejeweled nightsky.
Lifting her face, she peered into his eyes. “I love you, too,Jagger.”
Their tender kisses and soft giggles bowed to heart-filled passion. Jagger made love to her like it was their lasttime.
Because if she wasn’t willing to uproot her life, it very well couldbe.
13
The Hardest Goodbye
Fighting back tears,Taylor buckled her seatbelt and shifted her attention out the aircraftwindow.
She and Jagger had said their goodbyes at six that morning. He hadn’t asked her to stay. He hadn’t offered her a job. He’d walked her to her suite, wished her a safe flight, andleft.
And that’s when her heart hadshattered.
With her assignment completed, she’d head home rather than tack on the time off Colton had offered. If she vacationed alone, she’d mope all week. It would be smarter to immerse herself in everything Mitus and moveon.
She fiddled with the sapphire and diamond bracelet dangling from her wrist. It was a bittersweet reminder she’d tuck away in her jewelry box once she returned home.Love just wasn’tenough.
Passengers traipsed down the aisle on their way to business class, but her companion seat in first class remained empty. Fishing her phone from her handbag, she activated “airplane mode” and tossed her things onto the empty seat. When she closed her eyes, Jagger’s chiseled face popped into her head. If she lived to be a hundred, she’d never get over him. His easygoing smile was etched into her soul. And that mouth…the way he kissed her, held her.I’m amess.
To distract herself, she watched baggage handlers hoist luggage onto the conveyor belt. Again, her thoughts drifted back tohim.
Jagger had helped her take the first step in conquering lifelong insecurities. And for that, she’d always begrateful.
She loved working with him and helping him overcome his own challenges. Her chest tightened.We made a greatteam.
“Excuse me.” She whipped her head toward the familiar voice, and her heart leapt into her throat. “Your handbag is in my seat.” With a wicked grin, Jagger offered it toher.
She absentmindedly took it, disbelieving he was actually standingthere.
“Hello, beautiful.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before sitting. “You didn’t think I was going to let you return to Virginia without me, didyou?”
“I…I did.” She stroked his arm. Had to confirm he was reallythere.
Shaking his head, his sexy smile said it all. “Not a chance. When you know, youknow.”
Her heart skipped a beat and she flashed him a grin. “How long will you bestaying?”
“Long enough for you to resign and pack yourbags.”
She gaped at him. “Did you just offer me ajob?”
“Yes, and I’m about to offer you a hell of a lot more than that.” He pulled something from his jacket pocket, knelt in the aisle, and opened a ring box. “I love you. So damned much. I can’t live without you and I don’t want to run Loving without you by my side. Please marry me,Taylor.”
