Page 157 of Too Far

In this moment.

Stealing away a minute that I dream transforms into a lifetime.

The warmth of her mouth against my ear sends goose bumps dancing along my neck. “Can I kiss you?”

Like it’s even a fucking question.

I press my lips to hers and swallow her groan, greedily making love to her mouth as we race against the countdown clock.

I kiss her fiercely. Then I kiss her sweetly. I kiss her, knowing that my actions convey so much more than my words ever could.

The sound of a throat clearing breaks the spell.

Megan, my new PR rep, stands several feet away, headset on and clipboard in hand. “Mr. Crusade? They’re ready for you.”

I hold up one finger and dismiss her with a nod.

Josephine pops up on her toes and kisses me again, just a peck this time. “You’re sure about this?” she questions for the millionth time.

I run my thumbs along her cheekbones, then cradle the back of her head, taking a mental picture of her in this moment.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

“You don’t have to do this, Decker. There are other ways.”

“I know.”

“The guys… they’ll understand. If we have to figure out another plan—”

I grip the side of her head and brush my nose against hers to cut her off.

“No. I’ve made my choice. It’s the choice I should have made from the start. I choose them. I chooseyou.”

She beams at me, and it’s all the resolve I need.

“You’ll be here waiting?” I ask, as nervous as I am eager about what’s about to go down.

“Right here,” she promises.

“And after?”

“By your side. As your wife. No one’s getting to you without going through me first.” She cocks an eyebrow and plasters her version of a mean mug to her face, going for tough. Her attempt is weak at best.

I fight back a smirk and kiss her once more. Then I force myself to let go and take the stage.

Chapter 69

Josephine

Icurlmytoesin my heels, compelling myself to stay put when what I really want to do is chase Decker onto the stage.

I watch him walk away, leaving me in the wings.

The farther he gets, the tighter my chest feels. Though unlike every time he’s walked away from me in the past, this time, I have no doubt he’s doing it for us.

The fallout won’t be pretty. Kylian confirmed that Thomas Crusade and Misty are both in the audience, although he didn’t mention it to Decker. He assumed they would show up, but we’ve all been off the grid since the storm.

Little does anyone out there know that a new storm is on the horizon.