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He dipped his head until his lips were an inch from hers. “Say it again.”

“I love you.”

That was all he needed. He pressed his lips to hers and gripped her waist, pulling her closer until she wrapped her arms around him.

He’d waited years, dreaming of this–Thea back in his arms–and it was all worth the wait.

Thea was worth the wait.

Chapter22

Thea

Thea gripped the back of Brett’s shirt, hanging on for dear life. Any moment, the short, shallow breaths would make her lose her mind completely.

Her lips danced with his, moving effortlessly in a fury of desire.

This was where she was meant to be. Brett was her home, and she’d gladly fight beside him against whatever battle came to their door.

Brett slowed the kiss, but she pushed back. It couldn’t end yet. They were just getting started.

He pulled back just enough to smile against her lips. “I loved you first.”

She laughed. Actually laughed through the tears that hadn’t yet dried on her face.

Then he kissed her again.

Injured lung, don’t fail me now!

He took his time, and she savored every second of his kiss. It was slow and adoring, torturous and assuring.

It was everything she’d ever wanted and more.

Finally, Brett pulled back, smiling like a kid who’d just snuck a cookie from the cookie jar. “I’m calling in sick today.”

Thea rested her forehead against his chest and laughed. “Easy, cowboy. We have all the time in the world starting right after your shift ends today.”

He looked into her eyes, and his smile eased the slightest bit. “Are you sure?” he asked.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

He pressed his lips together, trying to hold back his grin. “I hit your brother.”

Thea rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he deserved a pat on the jaw for something.” She brushed a hand over Brett’s jaw, getting used to the stubble that hadn’t been there the last time they’d kissed. “I’m sorry I left you.”

He wrapped her in a hug, and she rested her head on his chest. “I know all of that was hard for you. I hate that it happened.”

“I didn’t want to go,” she whispered.

“If I had been a more selfless man, I would have asked you to go, at least until things died down here.”

“Gage said if you were any kind of man at all you would have told me to go.”

“Well, he was right. Now I feel bad for hitting him.” He rubbed a hand over her back. “I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.”

“Me? You were the one facing a murder charge.”

“But I would have been happy knowing you were safe.”