Page 154 of First Chance

My lips part. “But that was so long ago.”

“I don’t think it was soon enough, honestly. I was just too stubborn to admit it.”

He’s loved me for half the summer…

“I don’t understand… You acted so…”

“Grumpy?”

“Well. Yeah.”

“You’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and the hardest thing I’ll ever do in my life is watch you walk away.”

“Lochlan…”

“It’s okay, Jo.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Baby,” he starts.

“What if I don’t go?”

He reaches up to cup my cheek in his hand. “Then I’ll spend the rest of my life worried that I stole your youth. I know what that feels like, darlin’. I can’t do it to you.”

He’s comparing prison to this place as if it’sequal, but I can see in his eyes that he can’t be persuaded. His mind is made up. All I can do is cherish the time we have left and pretend like I’ll be able to move on when I leave.

“I love you, Lochlan. Always will.” I nuzzle my head into his palm.

“And, I hope for your sake that isn’t true.”

Chapter Fifty-Five

Lochlan

“Ihave something special planned for your birthday tonight, but I need your curious eyes preoccupied until it’s done.”

She smiles up at me from the kitchen table, dazzling me with her beauty, and my heart nearly stops in my chest.

Her anticipation about tonight has been buzzing through her, though, and I’m trying not to feel the pressure.

But, fuck if I can’t wait to have her.

If my bruised side wasn’t so tender the last few days, I probably would have let her take advantage of me, but the last thing I want to do is mess up a special moment for the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

“I need to go to the bank and make sure I have full access to my trust and home to pack the last of my things.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“It won’t be pleasant, but it’ll be fine.”

“I can go with you.”

She stands from the table, wrapping her arms around my neck. “You worry too much.”

“You have a tendency to walk face-first into danger.”

“Of course, I do. I know you’ll always be there to protect me.” She smirks and leans into me further when I snake my hands under her skirt to palm her ass.

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