Page 31 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

“I hurt you. Of course, I’m an idiot. A very apologetic one.”

My lips twitch.

“I feel awful about the things I said, but I’m really comfortable knowing you made your choice about New York without me in the way,” he adds.

I don’t even try hiding my longing as I gaze at him. “So, what now?”

Relief flickers across his face. “Have lunch with me. We can—”

“Please don’t say start over.”

“Hell no. Our beginning was a little crazy. I don’t want to go back there.”

I laugh.

“I hope we can pick up right we left off,” he says. “I hope you can forgive me.”

It’s so hard to stay mad at him. Maybe Ashley was right. It’s okay not to give up on something special. But a part of me is still afraid.

“How do I know you won’t find another reason to do this to me again?”

I’m studying him closely, taking in every nuance of his expression. He doesn’t have his guard up. I can see his sincerity when he speaks next.

“I don’t want to lose you, Grace. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. If you can’t forgive me yet, I’ll chase you for as long as I have to until you can.”

My heart melts. It’s clear he means it, and I’m sold. “You don’t have to chase me. God forbid you jar your poor fractured spine running afterme. I won’t make it hard for you.”

He chuckles. “Thank you.”

“Now, how about you get back in that wheelchair? You look like you’re in pain.”

He groans. “I hate that thing.” But he sits. “So, was that a yes to lunch?”

“Yes. And it had better be someplace nice. I mean, you have some work to do to get back into my good graces and all,” I tease.

He grins. “I’m up for the task. Now, get on here.” He nods to his lap.

“What?”

“Get on. I’m giving you a lift to my car.”

“No way.” But my playful side kicks in, and I eye him and the wheelchair with interest. “Will you be okay?”

“Of course.”

I hesitantly sit on his lap and immediately start to giggle. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

Before he takes off, our eyes lock and that chemistry I’m always musing about comes back in at full force. My lips find his for a searing kiss.

“I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I know,” I return with a smile.

He rolls off, wearing a satisfied look. We’re getting quite a lot of attention, but neither of us cares.

“This is kinda romantic,” I tell him. “Riding off into the sunset.”

“Jesus, Grace. This isn’t a horse and carriage.”

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