Page 73 of Off Limits (Alpha Billionaire)

“What time do you have to leave?” I asked, knowing that this moment between us would have to end and we would have to get back to reality. After all, he was in the middle of some big deal.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

“But your proposal thing?” I asked.

“I’ll call Sarah in a bit and ask her to forward it to Robertson. He can wrap it up, get it to the investors.”

“Isn’t that your job?” I asked.

His chest jumped with a soft chuckle. “My job right now is to make sure you know how much I love you and need you. You need me to hold you, so that’s my job.”

“Even if it means staying with me?” I asked.

“Jessica, I’m staying with you for as long as you need me.”

“What if I need you forever?”

33

DYLAN

The sense of relief I felt holding Jessica in my arms was a cool breeze on a hot day. She was so fragile. The entire situation with Ryan had taken its toll on her in ways that weren’t visible. My heart ached for the pain she was in. The pain in her feet, as well as the pain in her soul. She was doubting herself, doubting those around her.

I didn’t want her to ever doubt me.

A flash of light followed by a distant tap-tap-tap. I looked over and saw the hotel clerk waving as if she was trying to get my attention. I eased Jessica forward so that I could get up. The clerk stepped out of the lobby, and I met her at the halfway point.

“I’m sorry for your wait, but your room is ready.” She handed me a card key in a little paper envelope with the room number written on it.

“Oh, I should have canceled that. I’m sorry,” Jessica said as I came back.

“Will you stop apologizing?” I slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back.

She squealed when I lifted her. “What are you doing?”

“Carrying you to our room. Do you think I would make you walk? Stop squirming. You’re going to make me look bad,” I teased.

“Dylan!” she protested, but not too much, and she stopped moving.

She took the card and slid it through the electronic lock. The room had that cool hotel smell to it. I set Jessica on the bed.

“Be right back,” I said before dashing out to get her bag from the patio.

She was situating pillows and rolling the big blanket up when I stepped back in. She tucked the blanket under her knees and immediately looked more comfortable.

“Are you going to have to go back to work now?” she asked.

I shook my head. I picked up my phone and sent Sarah a quick text message.Not coming back today, send proposal to Robertson. Needed at home.I held the message up for Jessica to see.

“You’re not at home,” she said coyly, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I’m with you. You’re my home.” I tossed the phone onto one of the side chairs. I wasn’t going to need it for a while.

She started blinking hard. Tears spilled from her eyes again.

Instantly, I was by her side, wiping away her tears with my thumb. “I didn’t mean to make you cry again.”

She sniffed and wiped her tears, brushing at my hand. When she was done, I took her hand, wrapping around her fingers. I brought them to my lips, kissing her knuckles.

---