Page 40 of Walk of Shame

“I promise.” His lips meet mine, stealing my breath and my heart in one fraction of a second. I feel his commitment, deep down, sinking into my bones.

He lifts his head. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

I nod.

“I’ll take care of everything, okay? You just focus on your dad and your family.” He sweeps my hair back and feathers a touch over my cheek.

I see it in his eyes; he wants to do this. Wants to take care of me in my time of crisis. Wants to relieve my burden instead of add to it. I mold myself against him, loving his solid, steady strength. How he grounds and centers me. I make him my own promise. “You won’t be sorry.”

“I know.”

“I’m going to do everything in my power to make you a happy man.”

He cocks a grin at me, my boyish devil. He winks. “I’ll remind you of that promise when I want to name our first child something weird, like Boa Constrictor.”

Oh my god, he wants kids. With me. Inwardly I scream with glee while I bat at his arm. “Like you’re going to get any say in that.”

“Oh no?” He chuckles and grabs my hand, and we start walking up the beach.

I spin, walking backwards so I can look at him. “Like any girl I’ve had my children’s names picked out since I was six.”

He groans.

I laugh. “So you’re already sorry?”

He tugs, and I tumble into his arms where he kisses me long and deep, promising me absolutely everything I have ever wanted. He pulls away and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Never. You’re mine. And we’re in this together.”

“Good.” It’s settled then.

It’s back to my real life. Only better, because it’s with him.

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