Page 69 of Mine to Protect

She dropped her head to his shoulder.

“Next question,” he said.

“Is the house empty?”

“I believe so. Why?”

“Well, if my brother and Jackie and her family are staying here tonight, and tomorrow is Friday, that means it might go on for the weekend. Knowing me and Chris, you and I might not have a lot of alone time for the next few days.”

He tilted her chin, brushing his lips over hers. “You know, I said the words. But you didn’t.”

“I’m falling in love with you all over again,” she whispered. “Call me crazy, but this is where I belong.”

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Two Months Later…

Rhett pushed the dresser up against the wall in the master bedroom. Shelby had moved in last week, but they were still figuring out where to put half her furniture.

He’d finally given up the fight and put his so-calledmasculine bachelor setin one of the guest rooms and gave another set to the Goodwill.

She also managed to talk him into giving up the living room set, which he did have to admit was dated, while they moved in her newer set.

“I told you this was nicer.” She lay on the bed with her ankles crossed as she sipped a bottled water, wearing a robe.

When did that happen? The last time he’d looked at her, she’d been in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

“Do you have anything on under there?” He circled his finger.

“My swimsuit,” she said. “The hot tub is heating up.”

“I see,” he said. “So, while I’ve been busting my ass moving all this stuff around, you’ve been lounging and waiting to soak.”

“You’re welcome to join me.”

He chuckled. “I plan on it.” He patted his front right pocket. Thankfully, it was still there. He’d been worried he would lose it all day. Of course, she’d been barking orders at him all day, and hehadpromised her he’d use the weekend wisely to make sure that all her stuff was finally in place.

This would be their first official week living together.

But he wanted more.

He wanted a life. A family.

And it all started with a simple question. He was confident that they both wanted the same things, which was why she’d moved in. But it was still nerve-wracking.

He sat on the edge of the bed and pushed aside the robe, resting his hand on her sexy thigh. “I’m excited for your brother to enter the police academy.”

“I can’t believe he bought a house in this neighborhood. Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

“Of course. It will be great to have him and Jackie as neighbors. But I thought maybe we should beat them down the aisle.” He stuffed his hand into his pocket and pulled out the diamond ring his mother had helped him pick out. He held it up under Shelby’s nose.

She gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. “Are you kidding me? Is that an engagement ring?”

“It sure is.” He took her hand and slipped it onto her ring finger. It sparkled as brightly as her eyes. “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Let’s get married.”

“I love you right back.” She cupped his cheeks and kissed his mouth. Hard. “But we need to talk about something.”

“Um. Is there a chance you might say no?” He arched a brow.

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