Page 69 of Undercover Savior

“Better than I was when I was mostly alone in all this. When you don’t have anyone else’s feedback or input, it’s easy to think it’s all too far-fetched.”

“Now, you know it isn’t.”

“Listen, I know this is asking next to the impossible, but I was wondering if you might be able to help me with something.”

“Anything.”

I smiled. “There’s something I want to give to David tomorrow.”

He raised a brow. “How far to the ends of the earth must I travel to get it?”

“Not far at all.”

“Then, consider it done.”

I quickly explained what I wanted when I saw David on his way inside.

“On my way,” Gus said, winking.

“I don’t know about you, but I am ready for it to just be you and me back at the cottage.”

“Sounds perfect.” I looked around the room we were in. “What was it like growing up in a castle?”

“Surprisingly ordinary. It’s my belief that regardless of the size of one’s home, there are only certain rooms where we spend the majority of our time. If I were to really think about it, I doubt it would be more than the total number in Thistle Gate.” He touched the tip of my nose with his finger. “You, on the other hand, would have to explore every nook and cranny of each and every one in this place.”

“How many are there?”

“Can you believe I’ve no idea?”

“Mrs. Drummond would.”

“Let’s ask her tomorrow.”

I smiled, put my arms around his neck, and kissed him. “Sounds perfect.”

He put his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. “God, I love you.”

I felt David freeze. I wasn’t sure he was even breathing. I leaned away far enough to see his face, but he wouldn’t look at me.

“Forgive me,” he whispered.

I put my hand on his cheek. “Are you apologizing for saying the words to me I’ve dreamed you would someday?”

His eyes were misty when they met mine. “It was too soon.”

I shook my head. “It’s taken you twenty years.”

When he smiled, I kissed him, then took his hand.

“Let’s go home.”

“I cannot tell you how good that sounds.”

19

SAVIOR

Ipushed away every ounce of disappointment I felt over Sullivan not telling me she loved me too. I hadn’t planned to blurt it out the way I had, and it wasn’t fair that I’d expect her to say it back after being together a few short days.

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