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She pushed my shoulder, but it didn’t move me. I chuckled. “I’m messing with you, beautiful.”

Autumn blushed. “I know.” Her face turned serious. “But I want us to last. However long that is. I’d hate for you to… to…”

I frowned. “To what?”

She held back her words which made my frown deepen. “Autumn.”

“You could have any woman you wanted. You don’t think I’ve seen the way they flirt with you relentlessly? Even that editor, Victoria Maples.”

“Okay. What does that have to do with you and me?”

She shrugged, her eyes dropping from mine.

“Autumn, talk to me.”

She shook her head. “Nothing. Never mind.” She smiled falsely, took her attention across the room, and mumbled, “That needs to be moved. I’ll be back.”

“Whoa.” I grabbed her hand, intertwining our fingers and tugging her back to me. Staring at each other, we stood in silence while everyone bustled around us. I needed to connect with Autumn like this. It was one of the ways I’d gotten her to open up throughout the years.

She sighed. “Why are you doing this to me?”

“Me? Why are you doing thisto me?”

She smirked. “I said never mind, didn’t I?”

“The problem with that is something is on your heart. Why would you hold it from me?”

She pouted but didn’t respond.

“Is this how it’s going to be? You’re going to hold back from me now? Because if so, maybe?—”

“Don’t say it!”

I shut my mouth, and she gasped and folded her arms. “Were you really going to say it?”

“I don’t know. Were you really going to let me?” I teased, mimicking her folded arms.

She rolled her eyes. “You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”

“There’s my girl.” I reached and covered her waist with my arms and drew her close. “Of course, I’m messing with you. I’m not a liar, and I’ve already told you you’re mine.”

She blushed. “Why would you mess with me like that?”

“You know the answer. I need you. All of you. Don’t hold back from me. You never have. Don’t start now. Keeping things out in the open will strengthen our relationship. Isn’t that what you want?”

“Yes.”

I nodded. “So tell me, what is this never mind about?”

She sighed again. “You’ve never been in a relationship with me before. What if I get on your nerves quick?”

I twisted my lips. “Woman, you will get on my nerves. I’m sure of it.”

She gasped, and I guffawed while she swatted the shit out of me.

“I’m just kidding!” I shouted. “A little bit.”

She swatted me more when a voice behind us boasted.