He gave her lips a playful nip. “Have we established if you’re naked in said smaller house?”
“Perhaps.”
“As long as you’re there, I’m sold either way.” He pushed off from the car and stepped back with a smile. “Plus, think of all the money we’ll have left over. We’re going to be able to throw a killer party.”
She raised an eyebrow. “We should probably build the house before planning a housewarming party, don’t you think?”
He shook his head. “We wouldn’t be celebrating a house.”
“What would the party be for then?”
“I know I’m not the most traditional guy ever, but I’m not moving in with you until you make an honest man out of me.”
She cocked her head to the side. “What are you talking about?”
“The collar isn’t enough for me, sugar.” He dug in his jacket pocket and sank to one knee, sucking all the wind from her chest. “I want it all with you. Marriage. Kids. Forever.”
She blinked hard, trying to assure herself that the man before her was real.
He held out a small black box and flipped it open, revealing
a simple but stunning diamond ring. “Will you have me, Brynn LeBreck?”
She gripped the car behind her, her legs threatening to collapse beneath her, and tears filled her eyes. She nodded.
“Is that a yes?”
She nodded again, trying to find her voice. “Yes.”
He bowed his head and kissed her hands. “Thank God, I’d hate to have to cuff you and drag you down the aisle.”
She laughed, the tears catching in her throat, and ran her fingers along the back of his neck. “You know, this is the first time I’ve had you on your knees for me.”
He looked up at her, his blue eyes glittering in the afternoon sun, and gave her a soft smile. “Haven’t you figured it out yet? I’ve always been on my knees for you, love.”
First, thank you to my parents, who have always supported me no matter what crazy path I’ve ventured down. I can’t tell you how much your unconditional love and unwavering cheerleading have meant in my life.
And love to my husband and son, who bring the joy to my world and who put up with me even when I’m in obsessive writer mode, which is often. I could never have written this book if you guys hadn’t given me the support to follow my dream.
Gratitude also to the wonderful and talented writer friends I’ve met along the way, both in person and online. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve found the natives of my home planet. Hallelujah.
And finally, hugs to my agent, Sara Megibow, and to my editor, Kate Seaver, for believing in my book, for believing in me, and for helping my dream come true.
MELT INTO YOU
RONI LOREN
To Mom and De.
Your wholehearted, unconditional support is the best gift a girl could ever receive.
I love you.
Contents
Dedication
PROLOGUE
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
TWENTY-NINE
THIRTY
THIRTY-ONE
THIRTY-TWO
THIRTY-THREE
THIRTY-FOUR
Acknowledgments
twelve years ago
Most of the time temptation climbs into your lap and straddles you, demands you deal with it immediately. Give in or deprive yourself. Choose your СКАЧАТЬ