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I pull back, staring at her. When my powers of speech return, I don’t even recognize my own voice. “Nobody has ever told me that before. That they love me.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “For real?” I swallow hard.

“For real.”

“You don’t have to say it back.” She runs a hand through my hair. “But I can’t go another day without you knowin’—”

“I love you, too.” I test out the words, but it doesn’t feel heavy like I thought it would if I ever got the chance to say them. It feels natural, just like everything does with Ruby. It feels real. “I really fuckin’ love you, baby.”

“Did I force you to say it back⁠—”

I place a finger over her lips. “You couldn’t force me into anythin’, Mama. And I’ve never said it to a livin’ soul.”

“We’re so screwed.” She sighs and I tend to agree with her. But not in a bad way.

Our lips meet and the passion between us reignites. Yes, the physical attraction can’t be denied. Once more I realize it isn’t just the sex, or how fucking sexy my woman is. It’s the feeling that keeps growing in my heart, almost like it’s expanded twice its size since I met her.

I pull back, grinning when she pouts. “I believe in love at first sight. I always have. Somethin’ told me that when I came down here, it was for a reason, not just all the spyin’ next door and shit. Now I know why. We were meant to find each other.”

“You never told me how incredibly romantic you are.”

I kiss her nose. “I never was until I met you.”

“And the age difference really doesn’t bother you? All jokes aside.”

“Nope.” I press my forehead to hers. “Age is just a number, baby. None of that is important.”

“It is if you wanna have kids.” I haven’t ever really thought about it. Probably because I’ve never been in love before, or thought I’d have a serious relationship.

“Are we really havin’ this conversation?”

“I think we should, before we both get in too deep.” Her words echo my thoughts, because we need to.

“I’m okay if you want kids, I’m okay if you don’t. That’s the truth. I’ve never seen myself as a dad, but I’d never say never if that’s what you wanted.”

“I’m edgin’ forty. I haven’t considered it a possibility because of my previous disasters.”

“It’s not a deal breaker,” I assure her. “But we’d make some pretty cute kids.” She can’t deny that, what with our genes combined? Wow, that kid would be a stunner.

“You’re right about that. Especially if they took after you, pretty boy.”

“So, it’s not a deal breaker for either of us. These conversations are important because I want to get to know you, my queen.” Confiding in her doesn’t feel reckless. I’ve found my person. “I want to know everything that makes you tick.”

Her eyes soften when they meet mine. “How did I get this lucky?”

“You went for the best lookin’ guy in the place, obviously.”

She laughs and I roll her onto her back. “You got that right.”

“Now I’m gonna smother your body in kisses before I make us some pasta, heavy on the parmesan.”

“You sure as shit know the way to my heart.” Her amused smile, dancing on her lips, gets me going every damn time.

This woman is my life. I have no doubt that we’ll face challenges, but I’m not afraid of that. All I’m afraid of is living my life without her. Of being alone in this world without her light.

That I couldn’t bear, not for a single second. With a sly tug to my lips, I wiggle my eyebrows tauntingly. “Or maybe I’ll have dessert first.”

Ruby