Page 87 of Miss Understood

“It wasn’t a mistake. At least, not like I thought it was. I know I said the reason I dared you to marry me was because I thought it was the one thing you wouldn’t say yes to, but that’s not the whole truth. Because even though everything else about that night was blurry, I clearly remember the look in your eyes when I said it. You were standing there looking at me like you did the first time we met, before all the pretending to not get along. My entire world shifted once you walked into it, and I knew that all I wanted was you. That all I’d ever want again is you.”

Tears well in my eyes, but blinking just makes everything even more blurry as they break free and start to fall.

Jesse sinks down to his knee, not letting go of my hands, and those big brown eyes stare up at me—in fear, in hurt, in promise.

“I’m sure the first time I did this was sloppy, and you deserve more than that. Fuck, you deserve everything, and I didn’t give that to you. I’m so sorry, so, so…” His words trail off, and he bites back a choke in his throat. “If you want me to sign the papers, I will. But I’m here hoping I haven’t fucked this up beyond repair.”

He reaches into his pocket, holding tight to my other hand as he pulls out a small box that sends my nerves skittering.

“Lucille Bethany Stevens, you are the most challenging, interesting, spectacular woman I’ve ever met. I won’t ever be the person who holds you back. I want to be the person by your side who watches you take on the world. I want to be your rock, your partner—all that corny stuff that people say that I’m no good at.”

A laugh breaks free from my sobs, and Jesse’s face lights up with an anxious smile.

“I promise to give you the kind of relationship you deserve. One where you can be yourself. Wholly, with no conditions. I’ll give you anything you want if you’ll let me share it with you. Luce, please say you’ll stay married to me? And not in a temporary capacity. I want this. I want us. Everything. Please say you’ll be mine.”

He opens the box, revealing a stunning diamond infinity band. It’s exactly the kind of ring I’d imagine myself wearing—not that I’d ever imagined it at all. I’m laughing through tears. Messy, imperfect, no-turning-back kind of tears.

“So?” Jesse says with a look of concern, and I realize I’m frozen and crying.

“Yes,” I say, sobbing and laughing as I fall into Jesse’s arms, and he holds me like he’s putting back in everything that fell out. I don’t care if I’ve become the girl I used to make fun of. Because I’m tired of building walls so high I never let anyone in. And if I’m going to tear them down, I know Jesse is worth it.

“My friends knew about this, didn’t they?”

I think about my girlfriends bailing on me tonight, no doubt part of a master plan. I should have seen through those excuses. I’m not Kennedy’s client, but apparently she can’t help but play matchmaker.

“I’ll thank them later” is the only response Jesse gives as he slips the ring on my finger. Tipping my chin up with his thumb, he looks me in the eyes and smiles. “I should have said this weeks ago, but I love you, Lucille Stevens.”

“I love you too.”

And he kisses me so hard it shatters any barricade left between us.

31

Luce

One Year Later

“You’rewearingthiswhitebikini when I fuck you later,” Jesse says, tipping down his sunglasses as his eyes skim over me. Those dark eyes are absolutely primal, and I lose myself in them every time.

“Is that so?” I walk toward where Jesse is lying on a beach chair and shimmy my hips beside him before turning and swaying my ass right next to his face.

He scoops me up with his solid arms and pulls me into his lap, where I feel him thickening in his swimsuit.

“Careful, or I’ll fuck you right here.” He lifts an eyebrow and rakes his teeth over my bottom lip.

Since being with Jesse, I’ve learned more about myself sexually than I thought possible. It’s no secret that I was no blushing virgin when we fell for each other, but he’s awakened parts of me I wasn’t aware of. Pushing my limits with control and walking the fine line between pleasure and power. Giving myself over to him is exhilarating, and I can never get enough.

My eyes dart over his shoulder to the server who just dropped off our drinks. “I really don’t think the employees would appreciate that very much.”

“I’m very close to not caring.” Jesse’s hips press the slightest bit up, and I’m instantly wet. I’m a moment away from not caring who witnesses us fucking either.

“Don’t tell me you’re in this just for my incredible pussy, Mr. Davis.” I skim a finger down his chest in appreciation, drawing a line between his hard pecs and over those endless abs.

“Of course not.” Jesse laughs, dipping his chin to my ear while rubbing his thumb over my bottom lip and pulling it downward. “You also give excellent head.”

I swat at him and push away, dropping into my own beach chair beside him as I feel my entire body blush.

“Very funny,” I say, taking a big sip of my umbrella drink. The taste of coconut hits my tongue, and the rum immediately makes my body feel like it’s floating.

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