Page 101 of Winters Heat

He looked about how she felt. “You remember what I said about you and me?”

“I don’t.” She wasn’t entirely sure she could remember her full name. That kiss walloped a sizzle.

“Mia, I’ve needed you my whole life. I said it, and I meant it.” He cupped her chin and brushed his thumbs over her cheeks. “But I couldn’t handle it, so I screwed up.”

“Oh.”

“You opened my eyes. I didn’t know how to need something, like I need you.”

Mia wasn’t sure she could speak.

“But if I had you, then lost you, I’d never survive.”

She found her voice, faintly. “You did have me.”

“Did.” His thumbs stilled. “But now I don’t?”

“I have to pack.”

His eyes narrowed. “That’s not an answer.”

“A kiss won’t change anything.” She took a step back, nudging her cheek from his hand.

“It can say I’m sorry.”

“A kiss can say anything you want it to, but what’s the point?”

He shook his head. “Oh, hell no, hon. You’re not throwing up those stupid walls just so you can kick me out and finish a pint of melted ice cream.”

“You’re sorry. I’m sorry. All’s forgiven,Colby.Thanks for stopping by, but you have to go.”

He stepped forward. “Bullshit.”

“Cussing at me isn’t going to change anything.”

“Christ, Mia.” He slammed his hands on a nearby wall. “I’m in love with you. Don’t you know that?”

She wanted to say no, but nothing materialized.

“There it is.” He ran a hand into his hair, then dropped his head before spearing her with a gaze as intense as the tension in the room. “All cards on the table. I love you.”

Mia needed an escape. She had to get around him, but she was blocked in the kitchen and glass covered the floor. On tiptoes, she tried to push around him, but he countered her move. Instead, her eyes closed. “Liar.”

He laughed. “Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me again it’s a lie. I love you, Mia Kensington. But what’s it going to be? You love me?”

She made it to the hallway without cutting her feet, but he caught her, caging her against the wall. Forearms on either side of her face served as prison bars. His impenetrable torso pressed precariously close. The rapid rise and fall of her chest couldn’t be ignored. Her racing heart screamed for attention.Love? No. She couldn’t risk hurting even more all over again.

“Mia. What’s it going to be?”

She studied the scar under his eye, because she was too frightened to see the truth in his eyes. “What do you want from me?”

“I just want you.” He bent forward, making his lips tickled her earlobe when he whispered. “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want Clara to have a mom, maybe brothers and sisters.”

Her mouth gaped open. He stepped back and held out his palm. “Take my hand. Literally, figuratively, however you’ll take it.”

“I…” She couldn’t rationalize what was happening.

“I’m praying that you love me. Do you?”