Page 74 of Mr. Green

“What? You’re making me nervous. That’s a lot of pressure.”

“Are you ready?”

“I don’t know.” My hands start fidgeting again.

“Here it comes.” He pauses. “Do you eat marshmallows?”

“Marshmallows?” I stare at him like a gecko is growing out of his neck. “That’s your life-threatening question?”

“I don’t think I can date someone who doesn’t like marshmallows in their cocoa.”

Why do I like him so much?

“Sooo?” He raises his eyebrows a couple times.

“Yeah, I like marshmallows,” I respond.

“Cool, cool. What do you think about agreeing to be mine?”

My eyebrows shoot up to my forehead. “I’m not agreeing to be your property.”

“I don’t mean like that.” His hand moves to the back of his neck. “I mean, you’re mine and I’m yours. It feels funny at the ripe old age of thirty-three, to ask a woman to be mygirlfriend. That’s what I’m trying to ask. What do you think?”

I smile. “Is that why so much planning went into this?” I swish my arm around at the scenery.

“Only the best for my girl.” His chin tilts down. “You aremygirl, right?”

“Yes. I’d love that.” I go and sit in his lap and kiss him. His tongue enters my mouth. It’s hard to not smile through the kiss. I can’t believe he pickedme!

Chapter 47

Grant

I’m glad that’s over. I had a feeling she’d say yes, but you can never be one-hundred percent sure.

I keep her sitting on my lap, content with the wisps of lavender scent flowing through from the wind. The sun has gone down, leaving a chill in the air even with the bonfire, cocoa, and extra blankets.

“You want to head back to the house and get warm?” I ask.

“What about the fire?”

“I have water to put it out. Don’t worry.”

“Sure, we can head back.”

We get back on the horse after I douse the fire and make our way to the rental house. Andrew will come by and pick up the items. He’s always on top of extra things I need. I’m going to have to give him a raise. He made sure Lana was all set this evening.

This wasn’t the best start to a romantic date, but I think it all came together. Actually, her this close to me is better than I could’ve planned.

Yeah, I’m pretty smooth. Just call me Mr. Suave.

I’ve never tried so hard to impress someone in my life. I’m thankful she was willing to try something new. She’s scared of horses, but she still came with me. When she was younger, she would be up for anything. Trying to be one of the big kids. I think she was trying to prove herself.

I see some of the fight I know is in there. She’s so much like how she used to be. I want her to be comfortable enough to show herself to me. To let me bestrong for her anytime, any day.

The ride seems shorter on the way back to the house. Andrew is waiting for us at the beach so he can load up the horses. They’re staying down the road at a ranch that allows boarding for the night. Andrew will take them home once I return to Texas.

Lana dismounts from Luca after I have. I guide her down, against my body. I want to feel every inch of her.