Page 55 of The Last Date

“It’s all my fault.”

“It most certainly is not. Your father is doing something seriously backhanded and shifty. Probably quite illegal. If he wanted to channel his anger properly, he could face me himself. He could have a respectful discussion with both of us. He has all sorts of options, but he decided to choose this one.”

Sasha nodded. “Yeah. He hates confrontation as much as I do.”

“Well, I’m sorry to say, he’s going to have to face his actions this time,” I said, trying to keep my rage subdued. “Right now it’s just about you. Where would you like me to take you?”

“Your place.”

“Done.”

As soon as we got to my house, I led her straight through and out to the back patio. The moon was almost full, and just peeking up over the trees. Wrapping my jacket around her shoulders, we sat on a bench surrounded by greenery, as I took her hand.

“Thank you for a lovely date,” Sasha said. Her skin glowed delicately in the blue-white light, her eyes shining silver.

“I didn’t want to do anything traditional with you at first, because I don’t want us to be traditional,” I said. “I don’t want to date, then have life get in the way, then break up and move on.”

Her eyes gleamed up at me as she nodded.

“Sasha, from the moment I saw you, I wanted you. Then as soon as I got to know you, I understood that I needed you. I know it’s far too fast, but I know that I want you in my life permanently.”

I kissed the side of her cheek, rocking her with the rhythm of the breeze through the trees above us. “I know it’s going to take you some time to believe it for sure, Sasha, and that’s absolutely fine.”

“Believe what for sure?”

“That you are a thousand percent mine forever.”

Leaning against him, she breathed, “I already know. I think I knew when you sent me those listings for art studios. You’re the only person besides my teachers who encouraged me to paint. Who wanted me to enjoy the process even if I didn’t make a living from it.”

I turned, my palms holding her face as I stared into her eyes. “Really, Sasha?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

My hand swept gently up and down her spine. “It’s been a very strange night. I was going to show you one more surprise, but maybe I should wait while this cloud of stress is still hanging over us.”

“It’s not,” she said quickly. “I’ve made up my mind. I want to be with you, and I don’t care what anyone else says.”

“Forever?” I asked again.

“Yes.” She seemed to turn shy for a split second. “Um, would it be okay if I stayed here until I found an apartment?”

“Baby, you can stay here as long as you like. We can buy another house that you pick out someday if you want.”

“I love your house,” she laughed. “It’s amazing.”

“I can’t wait to see it full of your paintings someday,” I said softly, brushing my fingertips through her hair, then down her neck.

“We’ll see. It’s been a long time. I may have lost my touch.”

“Impossible.” I stood up, walking us back into the house. I turned, heading downstairs, flipping on lights as I went.

Her perfect lips turned up into an adorable grin. “Should I be nervous about going into the basement with a sexy man?”

“You’re not the one who should be nervous right now, my sweet angel.”

My palms were clammy. I wasn’t this nervous when I was being sentenced to a huge amount of community service. Or when I woke up with my new car in a ditch. Those toxic memories felt like ten lifetimes ago.

I knew it was too soon, but couldn’t help myself. I needed to be the man in her life. I needed her to come to me instead of to her father.

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