Page 66 of The Billionaire Love Match

Ty had tried to talk him about it, but Colt knew this was the only choice he could make. Otherwise his mother would own him and own Casey. He had to do this on his terms.

“Do you trust me?” Colt said, running a hand along Casey’s shoulder.

She did not answer right away, but searched his eyes, as though she might find the answer there. “Yes. I trust you.”

Colt pulled her back to him again as they’d been before, leaning down to speak just above her ear. “I promise you this: I want a future with you Casey. A long one. That’s the end. You and me, together.”

She sighed, relaxing into him again. “Sounds perfect,” she said. Their conversation had grown more quiet, her quest to know everything about him slowing as her yawns increased. Casey was falling asleep in his arms and he didn’t mind a bit. Her back rested against his chest, her head near his shoulder. His hands caressed her forearms, tracing the knuckles on her hand.

“What kind of toothpaste do you use?” She asked, suddenly.

He laughed. “Crest.”

“Oh. I like Colgate.”

“It’s too creamy,” he said.

“Yeah, it is.” She nestled closer to him and he kissed the top of her head.

“Think we can overcome that difference?” he asked.

“Ask me tomorrow,” she said with a sigh.

He felt like she knew him better than any single living person in the world. More than Ty. Even more than his mother, though he was sure she would argue that point.

His mother. The one secret he didn’t spill.

Not that he didn’t want to tell her that the show was his mother’s brainchild. And that he had agreed to be the star in order to get his own studio. Something held him back any time they came close to a subject that would give him opportunity to tell her. Ultimately, what did it matter why he did the show? Or who was behind it?

Now he had her.

This night had convinced him of one thing: Casey was the only one he wanted. For life. He’d seen how she stood up under pressure in front of the cameras, how she put herself out there even when it was difficult, how much she was willing to sacrifice. Tonight had been about filling in the blanks. He knew who she was; now he knew what she liked and hated, how she spent her time. And what it was like to be alone with her.

Which is all he wanted to be, crazy or not.

“Casey,” he said.

“Mmm?”

He bent his head toward hers again, smelling the sweet smell of her shampoo. Almond? Vanilla?

“I think I love you,” he said. The words felt strange and new on his tongue. He could hear the blood rushing in his ears as he waited for her response. And waited.

“Casey?”

A soft breath came from her lips and he bent his head slightly. She was asleep. He kissed her head again.

If nothing else, this was good practice. Next time he wouldn’t say “I think.”

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