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Nick
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Allison’s car was already in the driveway when I arrived. Perfect. The champagne was still chilled. I could put my plan in motion immediately.
“Allison,” I called as soon as I stepped into the house.
“In the kitchen.” Her voice sounded so soft.
I headed straight there and then stopped in my tracks, taking her in. She was wearing yet another one of those very conservative suits that drove me insane with desire. It was bizarre how much they turned me on.
“How were the twins? I called Penny, but she didn’t pick up, just texted me that all was well.”
“That sums it up.”
Her eyes fell on the bottle. “What’s that for?”
I set it on the counter. “I kept it especially to celebrate.”
“I noticed there’s another one in the fridge.”
“This one was at the penthouse. I just stopped by to grab it.” I leaned into her. She looked down at her feet.
She was avoiding my gaze again. Damn it, what if shedidwant a divorce?
Then I’d simply win her over because that was not happening. I wanted this woman to be my real wife more than I’d ever wanted anything else in my life.
She looked up at me as I glanced at the toaster. The papers were still behind it.
“Want to talk about those first?” I pointed to the folder.
Her shoulders drooped. “You saw them, right? I mean, I brought them home because...”
I waited, hanging on to every word. I wanted to know.
“Yes?” I prompted when she didn’t continue.
“I don’t know. Hugo had them ready, and he sounded as if I should sign them on the spot. But I figured that we should talk about it first.”
I took a deep breath. This was the moment of truth. I couldn’t postpone it. As much as I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Allison, I needed to know how she felt.
I touched her chin, but she was still stubbornly looking downward, so I bent my knees until I was level with her eyes.
“What do you want, Allison?” I asked.
She licked her lips. “What doyouwant?” For the first time since I’d met her, she sounded afraid.
If she needed me to make the first step, then I’d do it.
“I want us to tear those fucking papers to shreds and forget about them. Forget about the divorce. Everything has changed, don’t you agree? I love you so fucking much that I couldn’t even imagine not being married to you. You and the kids—it’s all I want, Allison. For you to be my wife for the rest of our lives.”
“Nick, are you serious?” Her eyes were full of uncertainty.
“Yes. Fuck yes. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
She closed her eyes, and I sucked in a deep breath. If she said this wasn’t what she wanted...
But then both corners of her mouth tilted slightly up, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.