Page 74 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

We turn onto our street, and as the house comes into view, my heartbeat speeds up a little. Inside, we kick off our shoes and walk up quietly, Wren following me to my suite without hesitating, and we settle on the couch.

“Do you want a drink or something?” I ask.

Wren shakes his head. “No. I want to talk.”

I nod, steeling myself for whatever he might say. He might say he needs more time, or a little space, or that he’s crazy about me. Anything could happen.

“At the restaurant you said you had things you wanted to tell me.” Wren blows out a breath. “I’m ready to hear them.”

Here it is, the opening I’ve been hoping for. But now what? Do I just say it? I’ve never told anyone these kinds of things before. I have no playbook.

“Ridley?” Wren rubs my hand. “You can tell me anything.”

I nod, clearing my throat. “Yeah. Okay.” Dragging a hand through my hair, I focus on his face, his pretty eyes searchingmine. Damn, he’s gorgeous. So soft and sweet and I swear I see those same emotions fluttering through me in his gaze.

“I’ve never been in love.”

Wren nods.

“Never even thought I was. I’ve never had more than a passing interest in someone. Usually, I move on pretty quickly. Once is enough, rarely twice, but after that, I’m over it. I figured something was wrong with me, but I accepted it. I am the way I am, right?”

“Right.”

“But it’s different with you, Wren. It’s been different since day one. You captured my interest in a way no one else ever has or ever could. I like things about you that I never thought about in other people.”

“Like what?”

“Your mind. Your talent. The way you look when you’re sleeping, all twisted up in my bedding. The way your fingertips leave sparks when you brush against me.”

His mouth falls open.

“Every little thing about you makes me smile or makes me want to get closer. I want to know everything about you and what you need to be happy so I can be the one who gives it to you.”

“Rid…”

“I want to wake up with you every morning. I want to go to sleep with you every night. I want this thing we have to last.” Now that the words are flowing, I can’t stop them. “I’ve never been in love before, but I’m positive I am now.”

He gasps and slaps his hand over his mouth, muttering “Oh my god” as his eyes turn glassy.

“I know it might be a lot, and you’re going through some stuff, but I think I had to tell you. I needed you to know that there’s a guy, Wren, a guy who respects and supports you, and ishere to lift you up no matter what life throws at us. I can be that guy for you. I already am.”

He just stares at me, so I go on.

“If you need time, that’s okay. I got all you need. You don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for. I can be patient, and if I’m falling short anywhere, just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

“Stop,” he whispers, dropping his hand. “Ridley.” A tear streams down his face. “You’re in love with me?”

I nod, even though the vulnerability gripping my chest sucks. “I am.”

“I almost can’t believe it. I never thought…” He shakes his head. “Not someone like you.”

“What does that mean?”

Wren blows out a breath, chuckling. “Sorry, that was cryptic. Given my history, why would I think a man like you would fall for me? You’re kind and thoughtful and sweet and sexy and successful. You’re all the things I needed and wanted but could never find. It’s like you landed in my lap, and I was too afraid to believe I could keep this. I thought eventually you might see me as all the others have—good enough for now but not good enough for forever.”

“Aw, rabbit. You’re amazing. Those other people got it all wrong.”

He nods, wiping his damp cheek. “I’m figuring that out. I have more emotional work to do so I can confidently believe you’re here to stay, but I’m gonna do that work because I want this so damn bad.”

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