Page 20 of Innocent and Sweet

“Does he love you?” Julian sighed. “Anissa?”

“You watched him leave under duress. A man who isn’t in love won’t leave the way he did.” She massaged Kameron’s thigh. “You know how he feels.”

“Are you sure?” Julian asked. His voice wavered. “We don’t want to lose you.”

“As a client or friend?” she asked.

“Anissa.”

Was Julian upset? Good. “So you’re upset because you don’t want to lose your job.” She snorted. “You’re excused. I’m assuming you’ll be leaving with my father. Thank you and good night.” She disconnected the call and tossed the phone onto the sofa.

“Honey.” Kam kissed her. “Do you really want to marry me? You could do better.”

“Better than a guy devoted to me? Than one who gives as good as he gets? Than one who makes my heart beat?” She rubbed her groin against his. Heat welled within her. “A man who doesn’t want my money? Yeah, you’re all I want. No questions.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “Julian’s right. Your father will have a shit fit.”

“I’m hoping so.” She’d bet on her father’s anger.

“Anissa.”

“I want him to see I’m not a child. I’m not foolish,” she said. “It doesn’t seem like it, but I saw through the crap. He set me up with guys he could control. He wanted to keep me at home -- where he could control me. He wanted to push you away. If he prevented me from finding someone I love and nudged me toward someone I don’t, he’ll keep me in line. I’m tired of staying in line.”

Kameron’s eyes widened, and he paled. “You kept me around as a reactionary move.”

Fuck. That hadn’t been her motive at all. She sighed. “Kameron.” She had to be honest. “Kind of.” She placed her hand over his mouth to keep him quiet. “I decided to take what I wanted. I got you to see me as more than Anissa Dunn. You see me as a sexy woman. Because I decided to push back against my father. I’m going to be happy with the man I love -- you. No reaction needed. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Kameron grasped her shoulders. “You drive me crazy, but I’m in over my head and don’t want out.”

“Then let’s get this sorted out so I can get on with my life -- with you.”

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