Page 22 of Saved By the Sergeant

And that’s a gift.

Now, I just have to figure out how to reach Donny Mason without her knowing. We are going to meet, and he is going to do right by her.

I’m going to see to that.

11

GENEVA

When I walkinto the kitchen, ready to make breakfast, I find Archie standing beside the counter with my coat in his hand. “I’m taking you out for breakfast, sweetheart. You’re not cooking today.”

“But I like cooking for you.”

“And I like you cooking for me, baby. However, today, I want you to treat me. Will you let me do that?”

My stomach dips. I’ve never been spoiled by a man before. Heck, I’ve never been spoiled by anyone before. “Are you sure? You don’t have to. I don’t mind taking care of you. In fact…” I blush. “I like to do it.”

“Come here.” He holds open his arms.

I lay my head on his chest and wrap my arms around his waist. “Are we going to have sex in the kitchen now, honey? I did like the shower sex this morning. I bet sex in the kitchen will be fun. I can think of a few things in here I can use on you to make it spicy.” I laugh.

“I am taking a raincheck on that offer, sweetheart.” He hooks his hands around my hips. “But for now, I’m putting your coat on you, carrying you to my truck, and driving you to Willow’sDiner for breakfast. Then we’re going for a drive around Whiskey Creek. And then I’m taking you to Clyde’s General Store so you can stock up on as many cooking supplies as your heart desires. Does that sound good?”

“That sounds absolutely divine.” I tip my head back. “However, I do need you to promise me something.”

“Done.”

“But you don’t know what the promise is, honey?”

“Whatever you want, I’m going to give it to you, sweetheart.” He tugs me in closer. “What is it you want?”

“I want you naked tonight.” I point to the big braided rug. “There.”

His eyes fill with heat. “You’ve got it. Will you be naked, too?”

“Maybe.” I lean up on my toes to give him a kiss. “We’ll see.”

He cradles my face in his hands. “I need to tell you something, sweetheart.”

I kiss him again. “Okay.”

“Take a deep breath for me first.”

“A deep breath?” I wrinkle my nose.

“Humor me, sweetheart.”

I keep my eyes on his and take a huge, deep breath.

“I’m in love with you,” he declares.

My knees buckle as my heart soars but then falls so fast that I have to hold onto Archie to keep from passing out. “Is this real?” I hear myself whisper. “Is any of this real? Because… I feel the same way about you.”

Archie yanks me off my feet, hoists my legs around his hips, and kisses me breathless. “It’s real, baby. It’s all real.”

I rest my forehead against his. “I’m scared I’m going to wake up.”

“It’s not a dream, sweetheart.”

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