Page 324 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

When he returned, he held a gorgeous vase filled with passionflowers.

“For you.” He gave me the vase.

“Thank you. Where did you get these?”

“At your shop. Where else?”

“But when? I didn’t see you come in.”

“I called and spoke to Erika, asking her when you wouldn’t be around so I could stop by. I told her to keep it quiet.” He smiled, revealing that dimple I loved so much. “I tipped her well.”

“Well, aren’t you sneaky?”

“I chose each flower myself. I pick you—will you pick me?” He laughed at himself.

So cheesy. Love blossomed in me.

I placed the vase on the coffee table and kissed him. “I’ll always pick you.”

A goofy smile spread on his face.

It was true what people say about love, that it inspires you to do and say silly things. I loved how we entertained each other with humor, despite our age difference. Right now Kain looked and acted like he was in his twenties.

“Let’s take our relationship to another level, okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“Move in with me. It will save you money for the shop. And it will give me access to you all day and night.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “I just want you with me all the time. On your days off, you can stop by my office downstairs for afternoon nookie.”

I laughed. “You just want nookie.”

“Only with the woman I love. Besides, you’re due for those ab exercises and a self-defense class. I have a workout planned for every part of your body, baby. Want me to show you?”

He nuzzled my neck, making me laugh. The horror of today slowly faded from my mind as love and joy overwhelmed me.

“So what do you say?” he asked.

I considered him, studying his handsome face. Those gray eyes trained on me. Swirls of light blue gleamed in his irises with a hazel rim around it. I could look into his eyes all day long.

Kain had entered my life, showing me the potential of my heart and helping me achieve my dream. There was no other man who loved me like him. He was the strong and protective man I’d always wanted. But he also had an adorable and funny side that made me laugh. Love and laughter were the accented pieces in a floral arrangement. Without them, the bouquet lacked its luster.

“How could I say no to afternoon nookie?”

He laughed and kissed me. “Wise decision.”

“I’ve gained some wisdom being with a man of a certain age.” I grinned and shifted to sit on his lap.

“This man of a certain age has a lot of things to show you.” His hands cupped my ass.

“I’m waiting.” I looped my arms around his neck.

“One more thing to show you.” He removed his T-shirt, revealing the mesmerizing tattoo of four passionflowers surrounding the black rose.

“Wow.” I studied the intricate design. “It’s beautiful. The rose doesn’t look as dark anymore.”

“Because it’s not. You’re my passionflower, and you inspired this art. You chased the darkness away from this rose.”

It was the most beautiful declaration anyone had ever made to me. Tears overflowed from my eyes.

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