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“How?”

“I asked Matt to turn Daniel into the police. Or rather, the evidence willmysteriouslyget to them. Enough evidence to bring charges of stalking. Harassment. Fraud. And we’re going to make sure he goes to prison for it.”

“You’re turning him in?”

“Yes.” My chin lifts. “I know I didn’t talk to you about it first. But I refuse to let that fucker come after you again. I’ll ask before I make any other decisions that involve you. Just not when it comes to your safety. Maybe that makes me a pushy jerk, but?—”

Tate leaps off her stool and flings her arms around me. “Thank you, Erik.”

I blink. “So you’re not mad that I went ahead and told Matt to send over the evidence? And that Daniel is probably going to be arrested today?”

“No. I’m not. Because obviously, I wasn’t very good about sticking to it. I moved hours away just to avoid having to deal with him. Yes, you made the decision without me. And I wouldn’t want you to do that all the time. But in this case… I’m glad.”

Relief loosens the band wrapped around my chest. “We have a guy keeping an eye on Daniel in Albany. Just to make sure that fucker doesn’t try anything. My old teammate, Nolan, just separated from the Army and he’s at loose ends. So when he heard we needed help, he volunteered.”

“Erik.” Emotion throbs in Tatum’s voice. “I can’t… knowing Daniel will be punished… That he can’t try this crap with another woman… It’s such a relief.”

I take a deep breath, feeling my lungs expanding completely. “I just want to keep you safe.” After a beat, I add darkly, “Although I’m really tempted to go there and teach Daniel a lesson, myself.”

“Erik.”Heat darkens her gaze. “Is it weird that the idea of you defending my honor by beating up the guy who harassed me is kind of hot?”

The last of my tension dissolves, quickly replaced by a surge of arousal. “No. It’s not weird at all.” Hugging her closer still, I cover her lips with mine. “Although you might not realize what you’re getting into. I can imagine plenty of times when I’d need to defend your honor. If a guy is rude to you in the grocery store. Or if he’s eyeballing your breasts in the produce section…”

Tate giggles. “That’s not quite what I meant.”

Her laughter flows into me, making everything feel lighter. Happier. “I wouldn’t,” I admit. “Not for something like that. I’d just stand next to you, glaring daggers at the guy. Making sure he knows who he’s messing with.”

“Would you cross your arms so your biceps pop? And maybe flex a little, too?”

“Would you want me to?”

Her gaze moves to my arm. A smile teases her lips. “Maybe. I really like looking at your arms.” Then a moment later, “I like looking at all of your muscles, actually.”

Suddenly, my pants feel like they’re two sizes too small.

“Just my muscles?” I tease. “Not my face?”

“Of course your face. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever met. But—” Her eyes widen earnestly. “Yes, I think you’re sexy. But I like you for more reasons than that. I just likeyou. Full-stop.”

Oh.

Shit.

Thisfeeling.

Is it what falling in love is like? This desperate need not just to claim Tatum’s body, but her heart?

“Tate.” I cup her cheek while I meet her gaze. “Are you sure you’re ready? Because if you are, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, I want more than to be with you. Right now.”

“Good.” Tate kisses me, gently biting my lip and tugging at it. “Because there’s nothing I’d like more, either.”

As I look into her eyes, there’s nothing but certainty. Desire. Anticipation.

Permission given, I lift her into my arms and kiss her hard. While I claim her mouth, I stride towards the bedroom. But my mind is already there, thinking about Tate splayed out on the bed, her gorgeous body like a gift waiting to be unwrapped.

Will I kiss her all over first? Make her come with my mouth and fingers before filling her completely? Have our first time be slow and gentle, savoring each plunge into her body?

Or will we give in to this electric pull between us? Give in to this ravenous desire? Push slow and gentle for later, once our needs are sated, instead coming together in a frenzy of need?