Page 203 of Dark Love

“I know what an Advanced Reader Copy is. How did you get this?”

Why is he making this so hard? “Just read the inscription.”

Vex flips the book open. His wrinkled brows sharpen into harsh lines. “Is this your way of telling me about another man?” He stalks away from me.

Man? Vex thinks… He thinks… Uncontrolled laughter bubbles out of me. “You do know that women can write mystery novels. I’ll have you know that most cozy mysteries are written by women.”

“Women… Flowers… D.P. Flowers… is Dahlia Prudence Fleur.”

And I thought my man was sharp. Jealousy really does block all rational thought in men.

“You wrote these books.”

“Sure did.”

“Is DuPress your last boyfriend? Is that how you got all of his books signed?”

“Dylan? You think Dylan was my boyfriend?”

“Well, was he?” Vex practically growls as he walks towards me.

“Don’t you get all grumpy and growly with me. Even if it’s totally sexy.”

“Don’t play games with me, Dahl.”

“I tell you one of my biggest secrets and you think I’m playing games with you? That’s rich. Whatever this jealous streak is, you better learn to get over it, and quickly. I’m not living my life with you constantly jumping up and threatening violence any time a man so much as looks at me.” No matter how amazing it sounds on paper. “I love you. You’re the only man I have ever said those words to. And you’re the only man I ever will say those words to. Now shut down the outrageous jealousy once and for all.”

“The only man.” He takes a step closer. “Say it again.”

“I am certainly not saying it again on demand.” Irritating man. Two can play at this game. I square my shoulders and take a step forward. “You say it again.”

“Dahl.” Vex stops moving.

“How many women have you told that you love them?” I take another step forward.

“Dahl.” Vex takes a step back.

“Well?”

He steps back one more step until the backs of his legs bump into the couch we were laying on a short time ago. “No one. I’ve never told another woman I love them, because I’ve never loved another woman but you.”

“Oh, really?”

“Really.”

We stand there staring at each other.

“Now, what are you going to do?”

That’s a good question. I have a man that loves me right where I want him. Why am I waiting for him to kiss me? Women kiss men all the time. I’m no different than they are. But stepping forward and asking him to lean down and kiss me would totally kill the vibe.

His tie.

Without a single rational thought past that, I grab his tie and make eye contact with Vex.

“Well now, this is an interesting turn of events.” Vex smirks.

“Don’t distract me.”

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