Page 25 of Timeless Valentine

"Yes." I take a slow breath, the decision making itself. I want to trust him. Want to step into his arms, into his world, want us to be a team. "I thought it was…interesting."

His grin is boyishly adorable. "I like the idea of paying for your food. On the face of it, it's not very romantic, but of all of a person's expenses, in a way those are the most personal. You know what I mean?"

"I do." Stepping into the warm circle of his arms, I love the way he immediately begins stroking my back. "Thank you. It means so much to me."

Leo's lips hover near my ear. "I know it's far too early to say it, but it's the truth. And I'm always going to tell you the absolute truth, Grace." His breath is warm as he murmurs, "I'm also going to blame the fact that it's Valentine's Day…"

He pulls back to look tenderly into my eyes. "I love you, Grace."

It's shocking how deeply I feel his words through every part of my mind and body. It's only at this very moment that I realize how much I've been craving love and affection.

"I love you, too."

Leo's eyes ignite with joy. "Really?"

"Really."

Crushing me to his chest, he exhales with relief. "I was worried I was being too pushy." His hands tighten on my lower back. "We're going to be so good together, baby. I just know it."

"I hope I can keep my energy up for you," I say with a smile.

Leo squeezes me tighter. "You can have some of my energy. And you can tell me when you need to be alone. I'll send you food and treats and give you space whenever you need it."

"How can a man be so understanding?"

"I'd do anything for you." He pauses. "You're mine, sweetheart. I've felt it from the very start. I'm meant to care for you. Forever."

My mind blanks, unable to speak, simply overwhelmed by joy. His lips meet mine in a soft, warm kiss that makes me melt from head to toe.

As we hold each other, Leo's energy envelops me, leaving me revitalized, and at the same time calm. He's really going to be here for me forever.

"I hate to ruin the moment," he says softly, brushing the hair from my cheek. "But your shift at the library is starting soon. There's juice, cheese and crackers in the car."

Only a man who truly understands my obsession with scheduling would interrupt a kiss on Valentine's day to point out the time.

And just like that, I somehow fall in love with him a tiny bit more.

EPILOGUE ONE

LEO

* Three Months Later *

Driving Grace to a Friday night dinner for the third week in a row is a new tradition, and one that I hope to continue.

It was a gradual, complicated, fascinating process that took two and a half months of lavishing Grace with my love and attention, but she finally trusted me enough to move in.

Then again, it was three weeks into our relationship before I could even convince her to come and do her laundry at my house instead of at the laundromat so that I could cook her a special dinner while she relaxed and waited for it to be done.

Now that she's officially moved in and no longer paying rent, she has been able to quit her jobs at the library and flower store. However, being the sweet, generous person she is, she has offered to be on call for both of them during holidays or busy seasons.

As we park near Endless Waves, the restaurant by the beach, Grace's eyes light up. "Is this the place with the raspberry daiquiris?"

"That it is. But why don't we take a walk on the sand and watch the sunset first?"

"Perfect."

Walking hand-in-hand with my beautiful girl always makes me feel like the luckiest man in the world. Somehow, she's even more gorgeous now that she's more relaxed. She has time to sleep a bit more each night, so she's better rested, and since I always drive her to the office, she saves time on transit.

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