Page 99 of Seductive Scoundrel

I’m not sure whether I should faint or scream, and sort of feel like doing both. “You want me to meet your dad?”

This is big.

He nods. “I met your dad. It’s only fair.”

“Does this mean we’re…okay?” I ask.

“Okay?” he repeats. “Interesting word choice. Let’s sit down for a second.”

He leads me to the couch as my heart pounds in my throat, and I wonder if I could legitimately blackout from anticipation. I’m a little terrified of what’s coming next.

“I love you.” He holds a finger against my lips when I try to return the sentiment. “Please, just hear me out before you speak. I’ve never been in love before. But that’s undeniably how I feel about you. I’ve tried to ignore it – trust me – but you’ve worked your way in here,” he says, touching his heart.

“And worse, you’re in here,” he adds, touching his head. “You’ve made mistakes. I’ve made mistakes. But I’m hoping we can get past them and move forward because I can’t imagine my life without you in it.

“Mia, I know that I’ve been demanding, but you need to understand that I only want control in bed. I’m asking for your partnership outside of it. That means we have to be honest with each other, and tell each other everything, even when it’s hard. That’s the only way we can make our relationship work for the long term. I need you to trust me. And I need to be able to trust you right back. We’re a team.”

I wait for a second to make sure he’s finished. “That’s what I want, too. All of it. And you.”

A smile grows on his beautiful face. “Okay,” he repeats.

I nod. “Okay. Oh, and I love you more than words can ever say. No more lies. No more mistakes. Just us.”

“Forever.”

“Forever,” I agree, then lean in, pressing my lips against his.

“This better be important,” Dean mumbles against my lips, pulling the vibrating phone out of his pocket. “Make-up sex is the best.”

He looks at his phone. “Hey, Dex,” he says into the receiver. “That was quick. Sure. Yes. See you in a minute.” He hangs up and then pulls both of us to our feet. “The lab tech is set up in Dex and Bianca’s suite. Let’s go.”

“You want me to go with you? Of course, I will!” I enthuse.

He shoots me a funny look. “My beautiful girlfriend, I’m giving a saliva sample, not getting an award.”

“I’m just happy to support my guy. You mean everything to me. You’re my forever.”

“And you’re my forever,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “Move in with me.”

My eyes widen, and I wonder if I look as absolutely stunned as I feel. “Are you serious?”

“I’m always serious.”

“That would be great because, after next week, I’m homeless.”

Dean’s eyebrows lift. “Homeless?”

“I asked for a transfer. I’m supposed to start my new position in San Diego next month, so I gave my landlord notice.”

“You were going to leave New York and move toSan Diego?” The look on his face is priceless. It’s like I just committed murder, but then again, he’s a true New Yorker.

“I couldn’t stand to be there anymore. Everything reminded me of you. Of us.”

“Hmmm, so if you stay in New York, you’re technically unemployed and homeless,” he teases. “What a serious catch you are.”

I do my best to keep my expression stoic. “Apparently.”

“Good thing we’re moving in together and you’re going to head up my new charity. Worked out nicely I’d say.”

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