Page 86 of Guarded Hearts

Her father’s throat moved in a hard swallow. Clearly, her being with Carson was a little difficult for him to digest.

She waited for him to make up his mind about what she said. After a few long heartbeats, he nodded.

“I apologize to you both. I clearly made a mistake. But you have to know I was doing what I believed was best for you at the time, Layne. You were so young.”

She met Carson’s gaze. The anger he harbored for her father faded as the man she loved looked at her, and the depths of his eyes glowed with love.

“When it comes to true love, time doesn’t seem to matter.”

His eyes softened, then he drew her hand to his lips and pressed a tender kiss to her knuckles. “I’m lucky to have a second chance with your daughter, Mr. London. I’m going to make her very, very happy.”

* * * * *

Carson pressed a soft kiss to Layne’s forehead. She snuggled closer to him, her bare breasts rubbing in a tantalizing way against his chest.

“Do that again and we’ll never leave this bed.”

“Good.” A smile sounded in her voice.

He traced a path down her spine to the curve of her buttocks. Then he slipped it lower to her thigh where she had it slung across his hip. God, he wanted to spread her legs again and plunge into her tight, clenching heat though only seconds ago, he’d finished doing just that.

“I don’t think my father is going to be an issue. Not that I’d ever let him come between us. If I had suspected back then, I never would have stood for it.”

“I love that you’re willing to fight for us.”

She studied his face. “Something is going on in your mind, something you’re not telling me.”

After all they’d been through, figuring out the logistics of staying together seemed insignificant.

She ruffled her fingers through his thick hair. “What is bothering you, love?”

At the endearment, his eyes softened and so did the tense line of his jaw. “We still have some things to discuss.”

She pushed onto one elbow to stare down at him. Her long hair tumbled across her naked shoulder and skimmed the top of her breast. “What things?”

“Well, we both have businesses. Careers. Neither of us is willing to walk away from that.”

She tilted her head, contemplating him. “Thereisa way to be together, Carson.”

“Of course there is, doll. But one of us will have to make a sacrifice.”

She bit down on her bottom lip. The flesh plumped around her white teeth. “Even though I practically grew up in New York City, I’ve always felt like Wyoming is home.”

Showcased in those beautiful eyes, thoughts flitted across her mind like wispy clouds scudding across the sky.

“What are you saying, Layne?”

“Technology has made everything so much easier from a business standpoint. I can negotiate by email and video calls. I can even verify that art and antiques are authentic with a few downloads and clicks. I think…that I would be perfectly happy staying in Wyoming, Carson. With you.”

His chest tightened with emotion. “You’re willing to do that?”

“My business is more flexible than yours is. Plus, I told you, Wyoming is home.Youare my home now. Wherever you are, I want to be.” She curled close to him, hand around his nape, pulling him closer.

“Christ, Layne. I love you so damn much. Come here.” Using his knuckle, he tipped her head up to claim her lips.

After decades of separation—and damn near losing her to her stalker—he had her back in his arms.

Where she belonged.

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