Page 105 of Austen Persuaded

“Half hope,” he said.

I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth. As he stood just feet away, I saw moisture pooling in his eyes. Those beautiful grey eyes.

“Can it be?” I whispered, standing up on shaky legs. When he swallowed and started to nod, the corners of my mouth turned up slightly. “Only half?”

His intense expression turned to one of confusion.

“Only half hope?” I clarified, putting a hand on my hip.

He nodded slowly as his shoulders relaxed. But instead of speaking, he walked around the desk, never breaking eye contact.

This better be the kiss of all kisses.

I licked my lips, but he merely took my hands gently after stopping in front of me. Our eyes had locked since the moment he barged into the room. “Annie York, you pierce my soul.”

I let go of his hands, throwing them up in the air. “I was going to use that line! I was writing you a letter. See?” I pointed to the desk. “You ruined my dramatic moment,” I said with a watery laugh, wiping at my eyes. “I was finally going to be brave.”

He stepped closer. “You are brave, Annie. You always were. I just didn’t know if you still wanted me.”

“I do,” I whispered. “So much.”

Kylan’s gaze dropped to the letter on my desk, and he smiled, the kind of smile I hadn’t seen in so long. Four long years.

“I love you, and I always have,” he said. “I loved you when we were just college kids, and I love you even more as the woman you’ve become. Annie, there wasn’t a day I didn’t think of you,” he said quietly. “But I had to learn how to live without you, or I thought I did.”

My knees went weak, and I had to lean against the desk. I’d dreamed of hearing those words, but I never imagined they’d still hit with the same force, the same wonder.

“I have loved none but you,” I said with a smile, quoting Wentworth again. “I thought you’d never forgive me—that you’d never give me another chance. Even when I convinced myself I was over you, I wasn’t. Far from it. You’re the one, Kylan.”

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.

I placed my hand on his chest. “Now, kiss me before I change my mind.”

But as he leaned in, I pulled back and licked my lips. “Better yet, let’s go close those curtains and lock the door. I plan on making up for four lost years—starting now.”

“Hell yes,” he said with a husky laugh. “Yet another reason I’m glad you were promoted with your own office.”

I turned back after closing the curtains. “Then again, you probably have a more comfortable office. We could go there—”

“I can’t wait that long, love,” he said just before our mouths and bodies collided in a kiss so sweet, so perfect in every way that I’d remember it every day for the rest of my life.

“Well, I bet Anne Elliot never didthatwith her captain,” I said while grinning and putting on my cardigan. “And I bet Laina’s office has never seen this kind of action before.”

Kylan laughed. “True, on both counts. Well, actually, Austen’s Anne and Frederick would’ve been passionate kissers—and then lovers, once they married. Don’t you think?”

I considered this for a moment. “I suppose. I’m still in a state of disbelief, Kylan. That I have you back … Hey, I have an idea! Maybe Viviana’s next book could be inspired by us. Since she wrote her first book based on both Austen and her real-life love story, you know?”

His face waspensive as he slipped on his shoes. “Maybe. I’d have to pass her along to another agent though, or else that would be really awkward.” He laughed but then turned serious. “We should probably talk about work though. Talk to HR. I mean, our relationship—that is, assuming you want to be with me—” Doubt flickered across his face.

I elbowed him. “Of course I do. But you’re right. How terrible does that look, getting promoted right before I start dating the boss?”

“We’ll figure it out. I can always quit.” He grinned at the shock on my face. “What, it’s just a job.”

“Justa job?” I echoed. “You’ve worked so hard, and you’ve been wildly successful. Hardly just a job.”

“But I got the girl. That’s all I really wanted.”

I stared at this man, the only one I’d ever wanted. Words were hard. “I … you … this was—all for me?” When he nodded, I clasped his hands and whispered, “I love you, Kylan. You were always enough for me, just you. I should’ve told you that.” I paused with a soft smile. “You and Charlie.”

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