Page 85 of Bastard Bartender

“There’s no point in being together if we don’t accept each other just as we are.”

I smile lightly. “Then, you’re going to have to get used to the fact that I will always worry because I care. Apparently, I really enjoy having you around.”

“That’s a good sign,” he jokes and forces a real smile out of me. “And I’m used to the worrying. You’ve met my mother.”

I have to laugh at that. “I want to go with you tomorrow.”

“No,” he states quickly as he pulls me closer. “But I’ll video the entire thing and show you as soon as I come back.”

He leans down, and with his hand on my cheek, he pulls me in for a kiss. It’s long and deep, the kind that makes my toes tingle. How this man can bring me from utter anger and excitement to subdued in a matter of minutes is beyond me.

It’s the Santiago voodoo.

“And if your reaction to my safe landing is anything like what you gave when I went skydiving, then I’m in for a real treat.” He waggles his brows, and I hit his arm.

“You’re not doing these things for sexual rewards.”

He laughs. “No, but it’s a great bonus.”

As his lips move down my neck and kiss along my clavicle, I groan, “You’re frustrating.”

“That’s why you love me.”

I still for a moment because he’s right. He might be using it as an expression, but for me, it’s true. I absolutely love this man. I just don’t know if he’s ready to hear it or if I’m ready for everything that comes along with it.