Page 65 of For Love & Torture

Peeking out the window again, I find the flashlight is being turned off, and I expect the culprit is running away at the sound of the car pulling up. “The light went out. I think the person left. Can I hang up now?”

“Yeah, baby. I’m coming in now.”

I hang up the phone and run into the living room. His handsome face is coming through the door, and I sprint into his arms. They close around me, holding me tightly.

Swaying with me, I hold on to him for all I’m worth, never wanting to let him go. I missed everything about him. His unique scent, the way sparks fly through my body each time we touch.

Then his lips are on mine, and I find I desperately missed his kiss. I need this man. More than I need water or air.

Tears flow as I think about what would’ve happened had he not asked his dead mother to come for me. He stops the kiss to look at me. Brushing my hair back, he whispers, “I’ve never been more afraid than I have been in the last twenty-four hours. Marry me, Bell. Marry me, please.”

Wow, a lot has happened in the last day, hasn’t it?

“Grant, you’re asking me out of some kind of desperation…”

He stops me with a kiss then pulls his lips off mine. “I am not. I’m asking because I love you, baby. Marry me.”

Wait, did he just say…

“You love me?”

Nodding, he smiles at me. A glorious smile that tells me he really means what he’s saying. “I love you. I know it without a shadow of a doubt. And I know I can’t live without you in my life and in my bed every single night. I can’t live without you, baby. Marry me. Please.”

“You actually don’t have to beg, Grant. There’s nothing I’d love more than to marry you. Whenever and wherever you want, I’m there.” Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kiss him to seal our deal and find my body’s shaking again—with happiness this time, instead of fear.

I’m going to marry Grant. I’m going to become Isabel Jamison.