Jill Shalvis - Then Came You

“It got really windy over the pass,” she said defensively and lifted her hand to her hair.

He caught it, then her other hand as well, his own encircling her wrists. His fingers laced with hers and he brought them up to his lips, kissing each palm before looking down into her face. “I was coming to you to say I wanted you back in Sunshine. That I think we have something, something different than I’ve ever had before.” His lips brushed hers. “I want you back because I love you, Emily. So goddamn much.”

“Oh,” she breathed softly, her eyes luminous. “That would’ve been worth the trip.”

He smiled. “I know you have a plan, but if you think it can tolerate some deviance, then I’d be happy if you deviated in my direction.”

She bit her lower lip. “What kind of deviation are we talking about?”

He laughed, and she closed her eyes. “Oh God, how I missed that, Wyatt. Hearing you laugh. I gave up my calendar. Thought I’d try winging it for a while.”

He tightened his grip on her.

“And that,” she breathed, snuggling in. “I missed that, too, feeling your arms around me. And your voice. And the way you make me feel.” She opened her eyes. “I love you, too, Wyatt.” And she graced him with a smile that made her seem as if she was lit from within, and took his very breath away.

“Stay,” he said again. Not asking. Hell, no. He wanted to be perfectly clear on things this time. “Stay, Emily. Tonight. Tomorrow. Forever . Just stay with me.”

Her smile widened and her eyes shone brilliantly with unshed tears. “I wasn’t sure where my home would end up being,” she admitted.

“You found it, sweetness. Me. I’ll be your home. Seems only fitting, since you’re mine.”