Page 164 of For the Sub

He winced, hating that any man had hurt her, including him. How could he have been so selfish? “I’ll spend a lifetime making it up to you.”

“Niles…”

He extended a hand. “Can I finish?”

She wrapped her arms around herself. But at least she’d released her grip on the counter.

“I drove out to the crash site. There are crosses there, I think his sister placed them. I left her wedding ring and day collar.”

“Symbolically letting go?”

“Physically, emotionally,” he added. “Damien was right.” He nodded. “It was time. Past time. I’ve learned that I can look back, or I can commit myself to the woman I love, being sure she feels honored and cherished.”

“I’m not like her.”

She didn’t need to tell him that. “Brandy, you’re loyal to a fault.”

“I don’t fall in love by half measures.” She ruefully wrinkled her nose. “Much to my regret.”

“I promise you, if you take a chance on me, on us, I’ll be sure your emotions are cherished and that your love is returned tenfold.”

He stood and crossed the room, a step at a time, waiting, reading her, watching for signs that she was retreating or didn’t want him close.

But her lips were parted, and her eyes were wide, with trust. With hope?

“I don’t want to live without you. Brandy Hess, will you give me a second chance?” He knelt and reached into his jacket pocket.

“Niles—”

“Please accept this as a token of my undying commitment.”

Just then, MW bounded back into the room.

For a moment, he played tug of war with the dog’s toy before MW let go.

This time, Niles threw it as far as he possibly could. “Knows how to ruin a mood.”

“It’s not ruined,” she promised.

Her breaths were short, and her eyes were wide as he pulled out an envelope.

Clearly surprised, expecting something else, she stared at the paper, then back at him. “What is this?”

“Open it and see.”

Her hands shaking, she did.

Then, eyebrows furrowed in a puzzled frown, she met his gaze. “Airline tickets?”

“Alaska. To see your brother.”

Her eyes widened.

“Family matters to you. To me.” He glanced at the Great Dane, then at MW.

“This… I would have never expected it. I’m not sure anyone has ever done something this wonderful for me.” She held the envelope to her chest. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“By agreeing to go.”

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