Page 33 of Sweet Surrender

“Me, too,” she murmured, smoothing her fingertips over his forehead, his high cheekbones, the sinful mouth. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Where else…” He trailed off, surveying the foyer and the living room. His eyes narrowed as they skipped over the boxes and bags. “What the hell is all this?” He returned his gaze to her, the blue brilliant, piercing. “Hayden?”

“I’m packing.”

“Packing?” he whispered.

She nodded. “Yeah. Tomorrow I’m leaving.” She smiled. “For Florida.”

His grin was slow, but blinding. “Florida?” He tipped his head back on his head, laughing. “And here I thought I was going to have to camp out on your couch until I could convince you to change your mind.”

“You came back for me,” she murmured, wonder, love and joy rising inside her like a tidal wave.

“I told you. All bets were off.” He nipped her bottom lip, soothed the small sting with his tongue. “But you were coming to me.”

“Yes. I love you.” She cradled his face between her palms and stared into his eyes. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before you left. I’m sorry you had to go one day believing I didn’t love you, because I do. I’ve never stopped. It’s always been you for me, too, Griff.” He closed his eyes, a breath shuddering from between his lips. “Always.”

“That’s three times you’ve called me Griff,” he said, his voice low, rough. “Say it again.”

“Griff,” she whispered. “Mine.”

“Always,” he whispered back. “Always.”