Page 56 of Falling for Love

A slow smile lifts her lips and she shifts, pushing herself up and straddling my waist. She places her palm on my chest. Warmth floods my system along with a jolt of desire. We’ve been so busy chasing this Cross issue, sex hasn’t been our priority. Her safety has.

I meet her gaze, but she’s no longer smiling.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

She nibbles on her bottom lip before she replies. “It’s just … I don’t want you to move here.”

I cock an eyebrow, my jaw tight. “Why not?” The mixed signals are killing me.

“Because I want to live in Florida. With you.”

Holy shit, she nearly gave me a heart attack. “Seriously? But your family is here.” And I know women, well, my sister at least, wants to be where our parents and siblings are.

She nods. “I know, and I’ll miss them. But I’ve been thinking about it since my time there, and I’m due for a change of scenery. I want to start over. Where there are no lingering ties or memories of Chandler. Besides, I like it in Miami.” She draws a visibly deep breath. “I like it near you.”

I have to admit, I’m relieved. Given a choice, I’d rather live where my people are. But for Taylor? I’d make the move. I’m just glad I don’t have to.

“Besides, they can visit as often as they like, and I’ll come back here.”

“We’ll come back here.” Reaching up, I thread my fingers through her hair and cup her cheek in my hand. “I think we’re missing something important here.”

Her gaze narrows and her nose crinkles in an adorable scrunch. “What’s that?”

“I love you, Taylor. Not because you’re having my baby, but because you make me happy. You’re sweet, kind, and everything I want in a partner. Not to mention, you’re sexy as hell and we’re combustible in bed.”

She lets out a laugh and her eyes fill as she smiles. “I love you too. I’ve wanted to tell you for a while now.” She winds her arms around my neck again, threading her fingers through my hair.

“Earlier, you called me your fiancée.”

I chuckle. “I might have gotten a little ahead of myself there, but it’s coming one day. Believe it.”

She places her hand on my chest. “I’m glad you walked into the café that night,” she murmurs.

“I’m glad you let me sit with you.”

She leans down and her lips fuse with mine, the kiss cementing feelings that are bigger than I’ve ever felt before. They’re enough to sustain me for the rest of my life as long as Taylor is by my side.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Taylor

Breaking the news to my parents and Holly that I’m moving wasn’t easy. They’re all devastated that I’m leaving Charleston with the baby, and I understand. It hit especially hard when I mentioned Jack would have been willing to stay here. I hate hurting them, but they understand my explanation, that after what I’ve lived through with Chandler, Miami feels like a fresh start. Mom and Holly warn me they’ll be coming for long visits, which suits me just fine.

Chandler was denied bail and once he was formally arrested, other people he’d blackmailed came forward to report more crimes, including bribery and tax evasion. He will be tangled up in legal proceedings for a long time to come and is likely looking at a decent stint behind bars. As for my cousin David, he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanors in return for his cooperation. The family isn’t happy with him, and he’s been doing a lot of groveling. As for the ring, I tried to sell it so I could take the money and donate it but it was cubic zirconia. A fraud, just like Chandler.

No sooner had Chandler’s crimes been exposed than Jack’s lawyers, who’d taken over his issues with the state for club permits, heard from both boards that there had been an error and they were now approved.

As for my plans, I quit my job and my search for a new one with a nonprofit in Miami was easier than I thought it would be. As Jack had told me back when we first met, his parents opened an organization that gives women a safe place to land if they’re running from an abusive spouse or significant other. Not only are they a shelter that houses women and their children until they can relocate, they help with that process, as well.

His mom, Riley, whom I met while I was in Florida, heard I’m job-hunting and told Jack that her foundation needs someone in an executive leadership position, a role she thinks I’m qualified for thanks to my years as director of community outreach. Job secured.

Jack and I spent the last week packing up my house, which I put on the market. Actually, Jack packed while I argued with him to let me do more. I’m pregnant, not incapable of helping.

Today is moving day and I’m sitting in the living room overlooking the front of my house, watching as Jack instructs the men loading my boxes and the little furniture I want to take. I’m moving in with Jack and I don’t need everything. Just what I want to keep.

Hours later, Jack joins me as the truck pulls away from the curb.

“Ready to head out tomorrow morning?” he asks, stepping behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.