Page 32 of A Montana Childhood Promise (Sagebrush Ranch Sweethearts #3)

“When we got closer, I really wanted to tell you. I knew that you wouldn’t want to find out from someone else…

” Noah started, then he sighed and dragged a hand down his face as he pulled away from her.

“You made it perfectly clear how you felt about people in my position. But keeping that secret was so much worse. Because not only did I keep that part of my life secret, I didn’t tell you that you were technically working for me. ”

The sharp pain that came with that knowledge wasn’t as excruciating as it had been a week ago. She could see the regret etched on his face, and all she wanted to do was assure him that everything was going to be okay.

Jane moved toward him, touching his hand before she tugged it into her own. “I don’t think there was any good reason to keep that information from me,” she mused. “Not even being worried about what I would say.”

He gave her a flat look. “I have been in love with you since I was thirteen, Jane. Years and years of thinking about you and comparing anyone I dated to you taught me one thing.”

Her lips parted with surprise.

Noah stepped into her, forcing her to move back a couple paces until her back was pressed against the wall.

He stared down at her with such intensity that the breath stilled in her lungs.

“I wasn’t willing to risk losing you for anything, Jane.

I know I should have been upfront with you.

No one deserved to know the truth more than you.

But there was some small part of me that needed you for however long I could have you. ”

“Noah…” she breathed. “I didn’t?—”

“You are everything to me, Jane. I would willingly give up my billions, my position at The Wounded Heroes Project— anything —to ensure that you were still going to be part of my life. I don’t want to live a life without you in it.”

Jane’s whole body warmed at his closeness, at his confession. As far as she knew, no one wanted her like he did. She exhaled sharply just before his mouth crushed over her own. His kiss was filled with all the desperation and longing that she’d experienced since she’d pushed him away.

Her fingers reached up and pushed into his hair as she clung to him. There was still more to go over, but knowing that he was still in love with her helped heal the emotional wounds she’d allowed to fester over the last week.

Being with Noah felt right. She could melt into his arms and be content with nothing else. But right now, she needed to explain herself. She pushed him back just far enough for him to see her eyes.

“I need you to understand why it broke me to hear that you’d helped me get my promotion?—”

“I didn’t help anything, Jane. I know my words hold sway with the board, but ultimately, the decision belonged to the local hiring team.

I made a recommendation based on the work you put into that gala.

I would have recommended you even if I wasn’t head over heels in love with you. Please believe me.”

A smile tugged at her mouth, despite how hard she tried to fight it, and Noah didn’t miss it.

He smiled, too, his fingers tracing the lines of her face. “You are the most dedicated, most selfless, most capable person I know, and I wasn’t the only one who saw evidence of that. You got your promotion because you earned it. No question.”

Tears prickled at the back of her eyes. “I know it shouldn’t matter so much, but I really needed to hear you say that again.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Any time you need me to remind you, I’ll be here. I love it that you finally believe me.”

She leaned into him, reveling in his closeness. She’d needed this more than she’d realized. The most surprising thing about this whole situation was that she wanted more. Noah was made for her. Plain and simple.

Jane peered up at him, nearly tempted to tell him that she still wanted to fulfill the pact they’d made all those years ago.

But she didn’t. Their relationship was too fragile right now.

She didn’t even know how long they would last at this point.

But as she held onto him tighter, she knew she would continue to fight for him.

“I guess there’s only one thing left to discuss, then,” Noah whispered into her hair.

“What’s that?” she murmured back, her hands tightening around his back.

“I’m curious if your stance on marrying someone with money still stands.”

She could feel the blush before it reached her cheeks. Her opinions on the matter seemed silly now. “I think I could reconsider,” she teased. “On one condition.”

“Name it.”

Jane stared at him with surprise. Was he saying what she thought he was saying? This wasn’t a proposal, was it? He’d basically turned her down not even fifteen minutes ago. She was yanked from her thoughts when he hooked a finger beneath her chin and forced her to look into his eyes.

“Whatever you want, I’ll make it happen.”

She should have rolled her eyes and told him that was part of the problem with money. Not everything could be solved with it. She refrained. “If I were to ever agree to marry someone with that sort of wealth, I’d have to make him agree to letting me start up my own charity.”

He smirked at her. “That sounds familiar.”

Jane shrugged. “What can I say? It’s a good idea.”

Noah nodded. “It is.”