Page 99 of The VIP Package

His eyes don’t look icy in this light. They’re full of warm sunshine and affection so strong I can feel it. “Thank you for making that happen.”

“I think we both made it happen.”

“We’re a good team.”

“We are.” He’s quiet a moment, stroking my hair. “I know it’s soon. We haven’t known each other that long.” Searching my eyes, he swallows. “But would you be willing to?—”

“Yes.”

He blinks. “I haven’t asked you the question.”

“I know, but I’m preemptively answering.” That’s how sure I am about Ash.

One edge of his mouth quirks. “Maybe I planned to suggest you tattoo my name on your forehead.”

“I know a great artist.” I trace a fingertip over his forehead, forming a series of curlicue lines. “One of my sisters doesbeautiful linework. I’ll get us a deal and you can have my name right here.”

“Perfect.” Turning his head, he kisses the tip of my finger. Then he captures my hand and holds it between us, pressing it over his heart. “I wanted to ask if you’d consider staying. Another week. A year. Forever. I’ll take whatever I can get.”

I already knew that’s what he’d be asking. “My schedule is clear for another ten days, so I’ll stay that long at least.” Pressing my palm between his pecs, I savor the beat of his heart. “We can see how things unfold from there.”

“Perfect.” The warmth in his eyes spreads to the rest of his face. “I have properties all over the world and a great deal of flexibility in my routine. I’ll go wherever you want.”

“Let’s start with the tropical paradise.” Tipping my chip up, I feather my lips over his jaw’s silver stubble. “I’m glad you came after me.”

“I’m not.” He kisses me fast as I open my mouth to object. “I never should have put you in that position to begin with. But I’m dedicated to moving beyond regret, so I’ll simply say I’m glad you’re here. That we’re together.”

“Same.” My body’s still buzzing with bliss in the aftermath of what just happened. Will I ever stop feeling this good? “I’m glad I crashed your sex resort.”

“So am I.” He kisses the tips of my fingers. “And I’ll tell you right now that I lied to you.”

“Oh?” I’m struggling to keep my voice even. To treasure his honesty, even if it hurts. “How so?”

“When I said feelings weren’t part of the equation.” His lips brush my fingers again. “When it comes to you, feelings are the whole equation. They’reeverything,Camille. You’re my solution set.”

I give him a blank stare. “Say what now?”

“Solution set.” One edge of his mouth quirks up. “The set of all variables that makes the specified equation true.”

Oh, my heart.“I hate math,” I murmur, “but God, I love you.”

Ash chuckles and buries his face in my hair. “Not as much as I love you.”

“I beg to differ.”

“As do I.”

“We could argue about this all night.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” Drawing back, he looks in my eyes. “Want to hear it?”

My heartbeat ticks up again. “I’d rather you show me.”

“I will.” Ash kisses me deeply, fingers tunneling into my hair. “For as long as you’ll let me, Camille.”

That sounds like a fine plan to me.

EPILOGUE

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