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And that does it. Her thighs and her body begin to quiver. Her breaths get faster. Her moans sound throatier. “Evan…”

“Say yes.”

“Evan…” She’s wailing now. It’s prolonged, low, and loud as her fingers bite into me. She looks at me like there’s something she wants to say.

“Give it to me.” One word. I can’t voice the rest of my demand because ecstasy notches up and nearly pulls me under.

“Evan, I-I…” She blinks, parts her lips, and seems to lose herself in my stare for timeless seconds. “I love you!”

Then she falls into climax.

Her words trip across my brain. I’m stunned. I’m shocked. That admission should not turn me on more. But it fucking thrills and unhinges me. It undoes me.

As far as I’m concerned, that’s a yes.

The orgasm I’d been holding at bay breaks my restraint. My body takes over. My blood surges. A growl tears from my throat. I erupt and give myself over to Nia. If I thought our first time was amazing, the second is beyond all comprehension. I’m never letting her go. She will be my wife.

My spine melts more with each thrust. I meld into her, become one with her, as we share the shuddering ecstasy.

I’m light-headed and panting when I’ve sated the desire. Slowly, my breath returns. Reason reasserts itself. And I remember my plan.

With a grimace, I withdraw from the hot clasp of her body. I don’t want to, but it’s essential.

“Evan?” She sits up, her face tightening. “Say something.”

I’ve never seen her expression so hesitant, her eyes so vulnerable. Because I didn’t tell her I love her. But I have more than words to bestow on her. The house. The sex. And the thing I should have given her weeks ago.

“Nia, honey… Everything is fine. In fact, everything is great.” I reach into the nightstand beside her, pull out a box, then kneel at her feet. “Because you are everything I want and I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without you. I want to make you smile. I want to make you happier than you’ve ever imagined. I want to devote myself to you. Every day.” Then I open the box to reveal the massive engagement ring I bought last weekend. When her eyes flare in shock and she covers her gaping mouth, I smile. “Nia Wright, marry me?”

Chapter Ten

“Oh, my god,” Nia gasps.

Why does she look shocked—and not in a good way? “Aren’t you happy? I thought you were saying yes.”

“No.”

She’s serious.

“What? You said you loved me.” Gaping, I close the ring box and stagger to my feet. “Why are you saying no?”

“What I mean is, I’m not answering your proposal right now. I’m…processing.”

I still don’t understand. “Processing what? The fact I gave you a ring? I’m just showing you I’m completely serious about getting married.”

“I appreciate that you arranged this grand romantic proposal, but I still don’t know how you feel?”

“Excited about our lives together.” I dodge the L-word because I’m focused on giving her everything I can, not what I can’t. “I intended to get married for practical reasons—until I touched you. Until I looked right in front of me and realized you’re exactly who I need. Who I want. You’ve dated a lot of guys who didn’t treat you the way they should have. I’ll be different. I’ll be devoted. I’ll be faithful. I’ll show you every day that you’re the best thing in my life. Say yes. Make me the happiest man.”

She bites her lip. “I want to. I think you mean all that. Just like I think you believe it’s enough.”

Is Nia really going to refuse me?

“It is. There’s no logical reason for you not to be my wife.”

“Except that you don’t love me.” Nia swallows. “And I don’t know that you intend to. Will you let yourself fall for me? Ever?”

I push the ring box into her hands. “Does this look like I won’t adore you? Like I won’t pamper you and shower you with affection?”