Page 167 of Bookworm

Bo's eyes were bright.

"So," I laughed, "now, that you know what a stalker I am, I'd understand if you want to take backeverything you said. Even though…"

"Even though," he prompted.

"Even though I think I'm in love with you," I said softly. "I love how kind you are without even realizing it. I love how you're strong andgentle. I love how you challenge me.And I honestly think you have the sexiest frown I've ever seen."

I shrugged.

"I think I've loved you since the moment you frowned at me."

Bo chuckled then. "Good, because I have a confession too."

I lifted a brow.

"I knew you were watching," he said, stepping closer as my eyes widened. "I wanted you to. That's why I never took my workouts inside, even when the weather was awful."

My smile couldn't be contained. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "My mom and dad used to get so mad about it. They said I'd catch my death. But I didn't care. I needed some connection with you."

"Oh."

"I liked arguing with you too. It made my day."

He laid a kiss against my cheek, and I trembled.

"Since I'm confessing," he murmured, "guess I better get it all out."

"Probably for the best," I said.

"It's true that I went to library to help my grandma," he said, "but I also went there for you."

My breath hitched.

"Every night, I watched to make sure you got to your car okay."

"You did?"

His lips tipped up ever so slightly. "Guess you're not the only one with secrets."

Lifting up to my toes, I tugged him closer until our foreheads touched.

"I love you," he said quietly.

His words made my heart take flight.

"I love you, too," I said.

And then we kissed. I'd read that ninety-nine percent of the time fiction was better than reality.That was probably true.

But that kiss was the exception.

Bo Stryker was better than fiction.

And I couldn't wait to live our happily-ever-after.

Epilogue