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Then, he saw her.

Taylor stood by the stairs, illuminated by candlelight, wearing the dress he picked out in Denver, the one that made his hands itch to touch her. His mouth went dry.

“What the hell did I do to get so lucky?” His voice was rough with admiration as he took a slow step forward.

Taylor turned slightly, her smile soft, teasing. When she saw the bouquet of roses in his hand, a slow grin appeared on her face.

No matter how far she’d come, he still had a way of making her pause—reminding her that love could be consistent, protective, and present. He came into her life when she needed more than words, and gave her action.

The feeling was mutual.

“These are for you,” he said, closing the space between them, handing her the flowers. “But I see you already got everything looking perfect. That includes you.”

She took them, breathing in the scent before glancing up at him.

His voice dropped. “When my woman cooks for me, least I can do is bring her flowers.”

His woman. Taylor held her breath and smiled.

Brooks grinned, claiming her with words but putting them into action was becoming his favorite pastime.

“Now,” he murmured, eyes dark with intent. “What’s for dinner?”

A soft laugh slipped out. “Is that all it takes toimpress Brooks Bishop? Home cooking?”

“Nah.” His eyes held hers, serious despite his smile. “But you in this outfit with your toes out that’s doing things to me.”

“Good things, I hope.”

“The best things.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that shattered his world. Her tongue tasted like wine, full-bodied, rich, and grown. He’d turned her into a wine connoisseur without even meaning to, and he loved that. It took everything in him to pull back before he forgot all about dinner.

“You taste good.”

“Wait until you taste the food,” she teased, a little breathless as she stepped back.

“Fuck the food,” he murmured, catching her hand and bringing it to his lips.

Taylor blushed, and said “Always ready to go, just mannish. Let me feed you first at least.”

“Then what?” His eyes held a promise that made heat pool low in her belly.

“Then dessert,” she replied with a wink, her own gaze equally suggestive.

He winked back at her before heading to wash his hands, already planning how he’d thank her properly after dinner.

“I miss Denver,” she said breathlessly as they sat at the table, plates nearly empty.

“Let’s go.” He didn’t hesitate. “I can take you back tonight if that’s what would make you happy.”

A laugh slipped from her as she touched his hand. “I know you would. But no… I guess it’s just special to me. It’s where I really felt like I shed my dead weight.”

“We’ll go back,” he promised, turning his hand tocapture hers. “Whenever you want.”

“I’d love that.” She squeezed his fingers, marveling at how easily he offered her the world.

Taylor toyed with her wine glass, watching the candlelight dance through the deep red liquid. They’d finished dinner, the empty plates pushed aside as they lingered at the table, knees touching beneath it. The evening had been perfect the food, the conversation, the vibes.

But there was something she needed to say and even though she’d initially decided not to mention his sister, she’d changed her mind.