Page 107 of Pulse

“But, seriously, yes. I think it’s a great idea. Thank you, Ford.”

“Why don’t you two come into my office in a couple of hours? I have a few things to take care of and then we’ll discuss specifics. Get a game plan together.”

“We’ll be there,” Dahlia says, resting her hand on my shoulder.

Ford turns to her and smiles. “I’m going to add a new section in our protocol handbook that says always trust a woman’s intuition.” He points at her. “I should’ve listened to you about Freddy. I’m sorry.”

“I appreciate the apology. I’m also sorry for dragging you all through that.”

“Like I said, you’re family.” Ford motions for Lincoln to follow him. “Come on, Lincoln. Leave my employees alone. Whyareyou here, anyway?”

They close the door behind them.

“You know,” Dahlia says, standing in front of me. “We could do some serious role-playing here. I could be your naughty secretary, and you could be my big, bad boss.”

I grab her ass and bring her closer. “Keep it up, and your boss will order you to go home.”

“Why? Because I think you’re hot?”

“No. Because you’re going to make me want to fuck you so bad that I’ll have to take you home so the whole office doesn’t hear you scream.”

She groans. “I’m so wet right now.”

I look up at her, into her beautiful eyes, and only see love. There’s no judgment or disappointment, no fear or apathy. Only the same way I feel about her reflected back to me.

“We can have that life together. That’s the life I want…with you. So what are we waiting for?”

I’ve considered her words countless times, wondering if it’s too fast.Will she regret it at some point? Is this the honeymoon phase where it’s all sunshine and roses?Except there was a car chase, an assault or two, and a stalker.

But it’s not. Her love is consistent. And I know I’ll never stop loving this woman.

I remember the last time my morning started like this, with Ford and Lincoln in my office. And the only piece of advicethat Lincoln has ever shared with me—even if it doesn’t entirely make sense—stuck.

“You don’t need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.”

I take a deep breath … and jump.

“Will you marry me?” I ask.

Dahlia’s jaw drops. “Are you serious?”

“I’m ill-prepared. I don’t have a ring or a speech or a pretty location. But I’m jumping.”

“Jumping?”

I laugh. “I’m asking you to marry me anyway. We’ll buy you whatever ring you want. I want you, and I want you to know I’m always here for you. Every day. For the rest of my life.”

She cups my chin in the one hand she can lift, and grins. “I’d love nothing more than to be Mrs. Castelli.”

“Want to sneak out of here for a couple of hours?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”