Page 57 of Payback
“Was I being too presumptuous?” she asked, sounding amused by his failure to react. “I’ve heard guys spook when a girl’s the one to bring up the M word.”
“No way could you spook me. Hell, you could be the one to get down on bended knee and—”
“Yeah, don’t count on that.”
He chuckled. “Just say the word, sweetheart. I’ll run out and buy the biggest rock I can find and slip it on your finger before you have a chance to change your mind.”
“I’m not going to change my mind about you, or us. You know that, right?”
He knew, but it sure was nice to hear her confirm it. Day by day she was assuaging his fears, making him believe that forever really was in the cards for them.
“Yeah, I know. But anytime you want to remind me, I’m cool with that.”
She laughed. “I have to go. I’ve got a business dinner to get to.”
“It’s not with some good-looking single client, is it?” He was trying to work on his jealousy and insecurity, but he knew given the chance any guy would see in Bella what he had.
She sighed. “No, it’s a semi-retired couple who wants to downsize.”
“Sorry.” He felt like an idiot for asking. “I didn’t mean to—”
“You don’t have to apologize,” she said, gently. “I get it. It’s going to take a little time for both of us to get used to this.”
“I love you, Bell.”
“I love you too. I’m going to start working on your mom’s plans right away. Just text me her contact information so I can follow-up with some more questions for her when she’s feeling better.”
“You got it. And thanks for doing this. It means a lot, to both of us.”
“I’d do anything for you. Don’t doubt that.”
