Page 101 of All I Need

“Aww, just like his uncle, huh?” I tease, reaching under the apron cup him.

He groans, hand darting out to lean against the counter.

“Damn, Ellie. I’ll never get enough of you. When I talk about you staying here forever, I’m not even kidding.”

I look at him from under my eyelashes and turn my head to the side. Slowly I release my hold on him and he frames my face in his strong hands.

His brown eyes darken, the tiny wrinkles around his eyes appearing as he smiles. “You need to know that I love you. I should have told you last night. Or hell, weeks ago, but I’m telling you now and you can give that back when you’re ready. Right now, though, it’s important for you to know it. To feel it. Because it’s yours. I know others have promised you their love in the past and they were idiots and didn’t protect your heart like the gift that it is but I can promise you, I’ll always put you first. I’ll never do anything to betray the love I feel for you or the trust that you’ve given me. I love you. It’s a forever thing for me.”

I knew he loved me. His actions have proved as much. But hearing the words, along with the promises he just made, is almost more than I can handle. I waver, my body swaying toward him. I wish I could say things as wonderful as he just did to me but all I can think to say is, “I love you.”

It seems to be enough because he proves his strength once again, lifting me off the ground. My legs immediately wrap around his waist.

“Say it again,” he demands.

“I love you, Walker. More than I thought was possible.”

“I’m gonna request you tell me this every single day.”

“You got it.”

Then he lays me down on the island and proves that it really is his favorite place to eat.

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