Page 126 of Reluctantly Yours

With a final pat to Baxter’s head, Chloe stands.

My hands move to her cheeks. I pull her closer, my forehead presses to hers. Damn. It feels so good to touch her again.

“We were taking pictures. The bridal party. And we heard the lift alarm and I saw you.”

Her hands wrap around my wrists. Initially, I think it’s so she can touch me, too, but she pulls my hands away from her face and steps back.

“I’m glad you’re okay, but I can’t do this.”

Seeing her. Feeling her. I’d forgotten what I wanted to tell her.

“Chloe, wait.” I reach for her hand. “I need to explain. I’m sorry. I messed up. With you. With us.”

She pulls her hand away and crosses her arms against her chest, but she doesn’t make a move to leave. Hope blooms inside my chest. As long as she’s willing to listen, I know I can make it right between us. I have to. I love this woman so much; I don’t know what I’ll do if she walks away again.

I step forward, needing to be closer to her.

“I told Fred about Frankie,” I say.

Chloe’s eyes lift to mine.

“What did he say?”

“That I was wrong. He didn’t want to believe it.”

Chloe nods. “Sometimes you don’t want to believe the worst about the person you love.”

Her statement hurts. I know she’s talking about me. But she also said that she loves me. I hope it’s still true.

“He called off the deal.”

Chloe’s deep inhale is audible.

“I thought he’d understand.” She bites her lip. “Appreciate your honesty.”

I know she thinks I’m devastated about the deal falling through. I shake my head.

“I don’t care about the deal, Chloe. I care about you.” I slide my hand around to her lower back and pull her in close to me. “Yes, the deal was my sole focus. I was determined to convince Fred that I was the man he should sell his company to. I was so determined that I didn’t care that I was using you to get what I wanted. I know I should regret forcing you into a fake relationship, but I can’t. Just being near you makes me a better man. You made me realize I was missing out on life. I’ve fallen for you, Chloe. Hard. I love you and I need you to forgive me for being an ass. For risking what we have for a business deal.”

A tear falls down Chloe’s cheek, but I’m quick to wipe it away.

“Don’t cry.”

“They’re happy tears.” She smiles, then laughs. “I can’t believe you adopted Baxter.”

I smile down at her before running a hand through my hair. “You heard the other stuff, too, right?”

“Hmm?” Her brows rise and her lips quirk to one side. She’s messing with me.

My hands grip her waist, pulling her in closer.

“Please forgive me, Chloe. I messed up, but I want you to be mine. No, I need you to say you’re mine. Because I am yours with no ulterior motives. I love you, Chloe.”

“I forgive you.” Chloe’s face breaks out into a huge smile. “And I love you, too.”

I lower my lips to hers and do what I’ve been dying to do since I made it to the top of this mountain. Her lips are soft and warm. She opens up to me and I’m quickly lost in the feel of her. My hands grip her waist, lifting her up to me. Her arms wrap around my neck and I deepen the kiss.

I want to stay here in this moment with her, but I have another confession to make.