Page 151 of Their Greatest Strength

“Can you pull over somewhere?” I ask.

“Yes.”

His spot of choice is the front of an empty, abandoned Taco Bell parking lot. The boarded-up windows and peeling sign form a perfect backdrop behind his luxury SUV. I’d laugh if I had it in me.

Once we’ve parked, I rush outside and suck in a long breath. My heart races with the unknown of what’s going to happen, but I try and steady myself with the reminder of what he said to me in front of my mother.

My love doesn’t come with strings. There are no conditions in thisrelationship. I want to be your safe place, the person you know won’t ever run, no matter what.

It’s everything I’ve ever wanted and needed to hear from someone. And for him to say it so openly and confidently? There isn’t a man alive who could compare to him.

“I love you, Bandit. In case you somehow forgot in the past few minutes that we’ve been driving,” he teases, rounding the hood to stand in front of me.

His expression is open and honest. So very Jamie-like that it grounds me.

“I haven’t forgotten.”

“Good. Myself, on the other hand, I think I need to be reminded how you feel.”

A soft laugh escapes me. “You’re that needy, huh?”

“The neediest. I’m outright desperate when it comes to you,” he coos, gliding a hand down my arm.

His fingers are warm and strong as they curl around my elbow and guide me forward until we’re standing toe to toe. He takes my hand and brings it to rest against his chest, twirling my wedding ring.

I stare down at where we touch, almost in disbelief. “I love you, Jamie. So much that it doesn’t feel like it should be possible.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was waiting for,” he murmurs, eyes twinkling.

“Was it worth it?”

“Worth what? Every day I’ve spent with you? Because if that’s what you’re asking, then abso-fucking-lutely.”

My face heats as I flex my fingers against his chest. “How did you know where I was?”

“I followed my gut.”

“Is Nate okay?”

“He’s just fine. Studying like a little brainiac at school,” he soothes.

I nod, swaying forward. “There’s a lot to tell you.”

“I’ve got all day.”

“Are you planning on skipping practice, then, Pretty Boy?”

“I was hoping you’d just forget about that, actually.”

“Kind of hard to when I work with you.”

He dips his head and drawls, “We could play hooky together.”

With a quirk of my brow, I push forward on my toes and tease a kiss over his lips. He tries to chase me when I pull back, but I wink and fall to my heels before he can make contact.

“Not happening.”

With a pout, he drags a knuckle along the edge of my jaw. “Fine. You better get talking, then.”

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