Page 26 of Midnight Heat

"I do. And I want to give that to you. I might need some help, though—maybe see a doctor."

That makes me take notice. If he's willing to work on his issues, then we might have a chance after all.

"I hope you are serious about that, Max."

"I am. I'm not a coward. Though Erik says I am."

"I wouldn't call you a coward. You went through something traumatic, and that is not easy to overcome. You came out on top, though.” I hesitate. “Do you think…do you think you could love me?”

“Oh, kitten, I already do. It's hard to accept, though, because I don't want to be disloyal to Lauren. But you make me so happy and fill my life with love and joy. How could I not love you? Also, I think she would want me to be happy."

I'm scared to accept this declaration. What if he takes it back once we're home? He could change his mind and throw me out again like a piece of used paper. Am I ready to gamble with my future?

"I don't know, Max. This change seems rather sudden after only two weeks."

"What do you feel for me, kitten? The truth. Unfiltered."

"You're asking for a lot there, Mr. Lewis."

"That's Growly Bear to you."

That earns a small smile from me. Dare I confess what's in my heart? Didn't I want to become a different, bolder person when I went to Miami? Where's that girl that flirted like she was a femme fatale?

"I love you, Max. You made it way too easy for me to fall in love with you. The past couple of weeks have been unbearable. I wasn't even trying to get you out of my heart. All I kept thinking about was how could I heal your heart enough for you to let me in."

Tears start falling from my eyes, and Max wipes them with his thumb.

"Kitten…"

"Don't. Don't look at me like that. Or we'll end up having sex on Keith's couch."

He smiles, and there's a twinkle in his eye. He moves from the couch and surprises me by kneeling before me, holding a velvet box in his hand.

"Max…"

"You said you needed a commitment if you were to come back home with me. I was prepared for that. More than prepared, I'm ready for that. Which is why I asked my parents for my grandmother's ring so I could ask you a very important question. Are you ready to hear it?"

Goosebumps cover my entire body at his words, and I'm a little tongue-tied.

"I am…ready, I mean."

"Anne, you came into my life like a whirlwind of joy and sunshine. Every day, your affection and care for me healed my heart a little bit until it was whole, and the only thing holding me back were my own limiting beliefs. Today, knowing that you love me as much as I do you, I have the strength to ask you. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?"

"Max…"

"I know it's fast. And I know just two weeks ago, I was saying I couldn't be your future. But I realized I want this more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. Nothing matters if you're not by my side, Anne. Please say yes."

I jump up from my seat and bring him up with me. He towers over me, and as I look up at him, I thank the universe for this man who has finally decided to open up to me and let me in. I put my arms around his neck and smile.

"Yes, Max, I will marry you."

He kisses me deeply—on the lips, without hesitation, just long, slow, adoring sweeps of his lips on mine. Then he takes the ring out of the box. Gently, he puts the ring on my finger, and I appreciate the simple band with a single solitaire. It's beautiful, but the fact that it's a family heirloom makes it priceless.

"I want to celebrate." He wiggles his brows.

I want to kiss you more.

"Not here!"

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