Page 81 of My Greatest Joy

I gulp at the realization of how wrong I’ve been about him.

“And the numerous women before her didn’t work out for one reason or another, but I wasn’t sleeping with them for sport. Have there been a few one-night stands? Yes. But I didn’t plan them. Either they ghosted me or ended up dating someone else instead. Most couldn’t handle my work schedule, and I’d rather find that out sooner than later. If I wasn’t interested for any reason, I’ve always been straightforward about it. I’veneverled a woman on and have always been honest. That is…” He pauses, staring intently into my eyes. “Until you.”

My heart’s beating so hard that I’m shocked he can’t hear it. Licking my dry lips, I attempt to ask him what he means, but he continues.

“Because I haven’t told you how I feel about you. I’ve been holding back, respecting your wishes to pretend our night together didn’t happen. But every damn day, I bite my tongue so I don’t break down and beg you to stay—even if for a couple more weeks. I’m not ready to say goodbye to you. I’m only telling you now because I don’t want you leaving here thinking I used you or that you aren’t worthy enough for me to fight for you. I’m not your ex because I’d never let you go if you were mine.”

Tears fill my eyes as I choke back a sob. I’m too stunned to speak as I soak in his every last word.

No man haseverallowed his heart to speak to me like this. My chest rises and falls as the world around us briefly disappears.

Levi brushes his thumb over my cheek, catching a tear. “Who knew the grinch could cry?”

I choke out a chuckle and shake my head, knowing how hard I’ve fallen in such a short time. This is his fault for being so incredible.

With my next breath, I find the courage to say my next words. “Ask me to stay.”

I’d happily reschedule my flight if he wanted me here. Though I feel like I’d be a Debbie Downer during his holiday since my family stopped celebrating years ago, I’d rather spend it with him than be depressed and alone.

His face splits in two as he grabs my hand and rubs circles over it.

“Fallon Joy, will you stay and be my date for New Year’s Eve?”

“Hmm…I’ll have to check my schedule,” I taunt, though it’s wide open.

He leans forward, his voice in a low whisper so no one else can hear. “Not to bribe you, but I’d make it worth your while. First, I’d wine and dine you. Then we’d ring the new year in as I fucked you raw and hard to the sound of fireworks.”

Jesus Christ.

“Okay, I’m convinced.” I beam.

Levi sits back and waves his hand in the air.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting the check and our desserts to go. I’m not wasting another minute not being inside you.”

As soon as Levi unlocks the door, his mouth and hands are on me. Though I don’t know what this all means in the long-term, all that matters right now is having more time with him. With my office closing for the holidays, I can easily stay with him a couple more weeks.

“Fuck, Fallon. I want you, baby.”

“I’m yours.”

He lifts me, and my legs wrap around him as he pushes me against a wall. “Say it again.”

I smile against his mouth. “I’m yours, Levi.”

“Goddamn right you are.” He cups my ass and grinds his erection against my core. “About to dedicate every one of your orgasms in honor of Brad.”

I laugh. “Blake.”

“Don’t say his name. You scream mine andonlymine.”

“Is that jealousy I hear? It’s givingpossessivemurder-yvibes.”

“You’re just now realizing that? I thought you were a Crime TV junkie.”

“Is this where you admit you’re going to bury me in the yard once you kill me?”

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