Page 63 of Her Hidden Smile

“No. It isn’t. I’ve really been tracking this guy. But I definitely used that time to get my head on straight about the two of us.”

I wanted to touch him so badly. But even more, I wanted him to touch me. Stroke my hair. Caress my cheek. Kiss my lips. Anything. Anything that would take away the sting about what he was going to say next.

Please say he discovered something good about the two of us.

Renzo reached up and stroked my hair. He nuzzled my neck with his scruffy cheek, then made his way over to my lips. I sighed as his lips settled over mine. Just a whisper of a kiss that played a perfect note. A musical note that started a hundred glorious melodies. He lifted his head then looked down at me, his heart in his eyes.

“My head is on straight, Millie. I love you.”

I bit my lip. He was giving me my dream. Not just a prince who has seen my scars and loves me, but my Prince Renzo. But this was so not what I was expecting. This was impossible. He had it wrong and it was my job to set things right.

“I love you too, honey. You’re my best friend. I don’t want to ever lose you.”

His eyebrows crashed together.

“Millie, you’re not listening to me. I’m in love with you.”

I tried to get out of his hold, but he made it impossible. “Let me go,” I begged. But he wouldn’t let go of me.

“No.”

“You’re not in love with me,” I protested. “That’s not possible.”

“Really think it is, Millie,” he said sarcastically.

Ooops, there went Prince Renzo.

“You love me as a friend.”

“I’m in love with you. I want to start a family with you. I don’t want to hear anymore bullshit about your scars.”

I struggled against him, and this time he let me go. I scrambled to the opposite end of the sofa. “I’m not talking about my scars. I’m talking about the fact that you’re thinking about tying yourself to someone who, except for yearly doctor’s appointments, hasn’t left her house in five years.” I coughed out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, I’m a winner.”

“Yeah. You are. Now get back here.”

Renzo scooted over to where I was and put his hands on either side of my face. “You listen to me, Millie Jane Randolph. I don’t give a shit if we live in this house for the next sixty years. And by the way, it’s absolute bullshit that you haven’t left your house in the last five years. I’m pretty sure I had to carry your pretty ass in from the blackberry brambles just the other day. So don’t give me this bullshit about not going outside.”

I tugged at his hands, but he wasn’t letting loose. “You know what I’m talking about,” I wailed.

“Sure I do. I also know that who you were four months ago, and who you are now are two dramatically different people.”

“Renzo, if you think⁠—”

“Hold up there, Millie. Don’t go putting words in my mouth. I just told you that if we’re living in this house, on this land for the next sixty years, I’m fine with that. And I am. As long as you are. I’m just pointing out that you’ve changed a lot, and you might find out you’ll change some more. But baby, it doesn’t fucking matter to me. Not one fucking bit. Because I love you exactly as you are. Right now. You prickly little porcupine!”

“Did you just call me a prickly porcupine?” I practically shouted at him.

“Yes. If the prickle fits.”

I looked at him. Stunned. Sixty years?

“You are an idiot, Renzo Drakos.”

“No I’m not. I’m a man who has had time to think, and knows what he wants.”

“Renzo, go talk to your family. They’ll tell you how wrong this is.”

He laughed. “I have talked to my family. They think you’re wonderful.”