Page 122 of The Moment They Can't Forget

“Okay.”

“I really am sorry that I treated what we did as a dirty secret. That wasn’t fair to you. I guess I was just so worried about Sawyer finding out, I panicked.”

He needed to touch her, so he took one of her hands in his. Her fingers gripped his.

“I wasn’t much better, Zoe.”

“But it was really me that didn’t want anyone to know, and I think that was because I knew you were different from the start. And that if I acknowledged how I felt about you, all my plans would change.”

“They don’t have to.”

“I know that now,” she said, holding his eyes. “I am going to buy Petticoat.”

He couldn’t stop the smile that filled his face.

“And stay and work there,” she added.

“I have to say, that makes me happy. But I would have gone with you if you’d left.”

“You would?”

“I would. Did you hear what I said to Sawyer, Zoe?”

“I heard.”

“If I don’t kiss you in the next few seconds, we’re going to have a problem.” She laughed as he pulled her close. Then there was only silence as he kissed her slowly, reacquainting himself with the woman he loved.

“I need to finish telling you something,” she said long minutes later.

“Okay, but I’m not letting you go. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She rested her cheek on his chest, and JD thought there was every chance he’d never let her go again.

“I called a lawyer, and I’m going after that asshole for sexual harassment.”

“Good girl.”

“I told my family too.”

“I bet that went well.”

“They want to kill him, but as they don’t have a name yet, they can’t. Uncle Asher and Mom have calmed my brothers down and said that suing him and dragging his name through the courts is better. Plus, I contacted someone at my old job and told them exactly what happened.”

“You’ve been busy.”

“I have, and I feel better for doing what you told me I should.”

“I have a few good ideas now and again. Zoe, I love you and I need you. Tell me I’m not in this madness alone.”

She cupped his cheeks and then rose to her toes and brushed her mouth over his.

“I love you, Julian Hopper. So much. Will you tell me what theDstands for?”

“Denton.” The word came out a rasp.

“I love you, Julian Denton Hopper.”

“Coffee’s ready!” The deep bellow likely came from his deck.

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