Page 68 of Flynn

Now her eyes flashed with anger. “What do you know about my type? I care about men who have traits like honor, integrity, courage, and who are known to be trustworthy. The trust part is most important since I know what it’s like to be cheated on.”

He was shocked by that. “Who in their right mind would cheat on you?”

Her anger relaxed into a smile. “Ah, Flynn. Don’t you see? Other than maybe your tendency to be a slob, you’re exactly my type.”

It was nice to hear, even if he didn’t really believe it. He was sure her feelings were honorable, too, but once the danger was over, things would change. Day-to-day life would reveal potential flaws in their relationship.

And he wouldn’t want to hold her back.

“I’m getting the sense you don’t think I know how I feel about you. That those feelings will change at some point.” She looked a bit exasperated. “Do you remember what I said last month shortly after we first met?”

He remembered with painful clarity. “Yes. You were angry with me and Zeke and told us we would never be the hero of your story.”

She nodded. “Yep, except that I lied. As I continued to write my story, you became the hero. I described him to match you. He acted exactly the way you’ve been responding to the threats of danger we faced. He’s tough, sweet, brave, and supportive in every way. My hero is you, Flynn.”

“Me?” Shock rippled through him. Was she serious? “I don’t understand.”

Now she shook her head, clearly annoyed. “What’s not to understand? For the last time, I care about you. I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Since he’d completely run out of words to say, he decided to let his feelings speak for him. He drew her close and kissed her.

Taylor melted against him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer as she returned his kiss. And slowly it dawned on him that maybe she was being truthful.

Because no woman had ever kissed him like that.

“Flynn? Oh, sorry.” The cheerful tone in Steele’s tone belied his apology. As did the goofy grin on his teammate’s face. “Hey, if you’re not too busy, Brady wants me to escort you to the safe house as the feds head out to make the arrests.”

“We are busy,” Taylor complained. “I don’t know who you are but go away.”

Flynn found himself grinning back as Steele laughed.

“Okay, okay. I’ll give you guys a few minutes,” Steele said between chuckles. “But don’t take too long or I’ll send Joe in.”

“Thanks. We’ll be out soon.” Flynn wasn’t in any hurry to let Taylor go, but he knew they couldn’t stay there much longer either. Despite the heat they’d generated between them, the air held a distinct chill.

The fire in the fireplace had burned down to hot coals again.

“Look, Flynn, I don’t mean to be pushy, but please tell me that my feelings aren’t one-sided.” A flicker of uncertainty darkened her eyes. “That I’m not the only one who wants to see where a relationship might take us.”

“I love you. I may not be a writer with pretty words, but I fell in love with you a while ago, probably the first time we met.” He brushed a light kiss over her mouth. “Based on your annoyance with me, I figured you didn’t feel the same way. The other night when you texted me about seeing the gunman, I was terrified I’d never get the chance to tell you how much I loved you.”

“Really?” She stared up at him in surprise. “You really love me?”

That she could doubt his feelings made him realize they were both being idiots about this. Yes, they’d been thrown together in difficult circumstances, but that didn’t mean their feelings weren’t real.

That their love wouldn’t last.

“Yes, I really love you, Taylor. I would love for you to stay with me once we’re released from the safe house. You use my guest bedroom; I would never take advantage of the situation.” He managed a smile. “Even more importantly, I’ll support you in whatever you decide to do. Whether you go back to being a nanny, teaching, writing, or whatever brings you happiness. I’m there for you.”

“Oh, Flynn.” She drew him in for another kiss. After a long moment, she said, “I want to support you too. I’m sure this had been difficult, especially after what happened with Detective Klem. I’m here if you want to talk about it. Or anything else for that matter.”

“You’re amazing,” he whispered.

“So are you.” She smiled. “I’m so blessed that God brought you into my life.”

Flynn knew they were blessed. Not just because they’d survived, but because God’s love shone down on them.

This moment right now was what true love was all about.

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