Page 3 of Master of My Life

“It’s the one-month anniversary of our first date.”

Her jade-green eyes widened as she gasped. “It is? Has that much time really passed?”

“It is.” His heart leaped at the smile that spread across her face.

“It’s all gone so fast.”

“In a good way or a bad way?”

“Good, of course!” She gave him that dimpled smile he’d grown so fond of. “This has been the

best month of my entire life.”

Chase beamed. “Mine too.”

“You’re not just saying that?”

“Why would I do that?”

“To be nice.”

He chuckled. “Well, I do try to be extra nice to you.” He stood and pulled her to her feet and into

his arms. “But I’m not just being nice. I have had the best time this past month getting to know you.”

He leaned down to kiss her gently on the mouth and then cupped her cheek. “I love you.” He’d never

said that to a woman before.

Her eyes both softened and lit up all at once. “I love you, too.” Her tone was the one he’d come to

recognize as when she was feeling shy, but safe. His heart raced every time he heard it.

He couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face. He kissed her again and pulled away. “I

have something for you.”

She giggled. “We’re still reading The Lord of the Rings!”

“It’s not a book.”

When he’d presented her with a copy of her favorite childhood book, The Last Unicorn, after

their first date, they’d started a tradition of reading to each other almost every night. Well, he did most

of the reading. Sabrina said she loved listening to his voice, and he loved her nestled against his chest

as they shared the fictional adventure that had inspired her bravery. When they finished, she’d asked

to read his childhood favorite next. They were about done with the first part, The Fellowship of the

Ring, now.

They walked into his expansive living room and he retrieved a small white box with a gold cord

tied around it from the bookshelf and handed it to her.

“This is definitely not a book.” She bit her lip, staring at the box.

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