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She stills.

I tighten my arms around Gemma’s waist, waiting for her response. This woman has turned my whole fucking world upside down, and I want nothing more than to have her by my side. Forever.

Am I moving too fast? But when you know, you fucking know. And I know Gemma’s the one for me.

She starts, hesitation clear in her voice. “Elijah...”

I kiss her shoulder, buying myself a moment to get my thoughts in order.

“Hear me out.”

Kiss.

“I know it seems quick.”

Kiss.

“But from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special. You make me want to be better. And I don’t want to waste another second without you.”

She turns in my arms to face me, her eyes searching mine. “I want that too, but I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“That this is too good to be true. My track record with men…”

I lift her chin gently so she meets my gaze again. “Hey. The past is the past. I’m not those assholes who hurt you.”

She tilts her head.

“Okay. I’ve fucked up, but I swear to you, I’m in this for the long haul. However long it takes to prove that to you.”

The corner of her mouth quirks up. “You always know exactly what to say, don’t you?”

“Only because it’s the truth with you. I’m an open book.” I press my forehead to hers, our breaths mingling. “Give me a chance to show you how good we can be together.”

She melts against me. “I care about you, I do. But we’ve only been seeing each other for a short while. Give me some time. Okay?”

“I know, and if you need more time, I understand. I want to be with you. Waking up next to you, falling asleep together each night...”

Uncertainty clouds her gaze. “You make me happy, too. I’ve never felt this way about someone so quickly. That’s why it scares me.”

I can’t wait to come home to my little gem every night.

“We’ll take this at your pace.”

Slowly, she nods. “Thank you.”

“Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

I lean in, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. She melts against me, arms coming up around my neck. Right here, holding her in my arms, I’m home.

Once our burgers are plated up, we head out to the patio table to eat. The view of the ocean at sunset is spectacular. But it still doesn’t compare to the woman sitting across from me.

Gemma catches me staring and laughs. “What?”

I shake my head, unable to keep the stupid grin off my face. “Nothing. How do you like the burgers?”

“Delicious.” She winks at me.

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