Page 199 of Scatter the Bones

Her forehead wrinkles. “What’s really…what are you trying to say?”

“I…” How the fuck do I put this into words? “I never expected…I don’t know. I used to make fun of Rooster…the guys if they missed their ol’ ladies…”

Pretty sure I used the word “castrated” a few times to describe their lack of interest in pursuing other pussy while on the road.“And didn’t want to…”

Her eyes narrow. “Hook up with random women on the road?” she finishes for me.

She understands me a little too well.

Why couldn’t I just let her sleep?

I dug myself into this hole. Either I’m going to bury myself deeper or claw my way out.

“Something like that,” I admit.

“Is this your twisted way of telling me women were throwing themselves at you in Vegas?”

“What?” I frown. “No. Not really.”

Her lips push into a thoughtful pout, silently calling bullshit.

“Okay. Yes,” I admit. “There were women circling us all the time. It didn’t matter. The only woman I wanted wasyou.”

“You sound surprised.” Her forehead crinkles and she squints at me. “Or proud of yourself.”

The corners of her mouth twitch and laughter glints in her eyes.

“All right. I guess I deserve that.” I blow out a breath. “I don’t know how to tell you?—”

“Tell me what?”

“That I want you so bad. So much. All the time. I can’t even fucking breathe sometimes when you’re not with me.” There. I said it. Most of it.

She snuggles closer. “I want you too. I missed you terribly. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” She’d sent me as many messages as I’d sent her. Always answered me too. “Still like hearing it.”

“Mmmm.” She sighs against my shoulder.

A few quiet minutes pass.

“Margot,” I whisper again. Why can’t I let her rest? We can talk about this in the morning.

“Hmmm?” She wriggles closer and throws her leg over mine.

Just fucking say it.Margot’s nothing if not honest. If she’s not feeling it, she’ll say so. It’ll rip my heart out, but she will.

“I want to marry you.”

“What?” she gasps, coming fully awake, and sits up so fast, she elbows me in the chin.

“Ow.” I wiggle my jaw.

“Sorry.” She presses her palm to my cheek. “Were you talking in your sleep? Or do you mean that?”

“I…” Christ, I’m in it now.Just say it.None of the dumb shit that comes out of my mouth seems to scare her away. Why should this? “I never thought I’d want to do that. I’m not sure I’m really husband material. But for you, I’d like to be.”

“Jensen,” she whispers, a slight catch in her voice. “You’re all the best kinds of husband material. I’d love to be your wife.”

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