Her eyes were as wide as saucers. “Todd? Oh my God. No wonder you hated that I’d agreed to go to dinner with him!”

“I would have hated it anyway, but it made it worse that it was him of all people.” I swallowed the anger rising in my throat as I reminded myself that I’d gotten the girl.

I got the girl.

I got the girl.

“I can’t believe that’s how it started. I had no idea, and of course, I just assumed the worst,” she said with a shrug. “You know, that you were a total lying asshole who wanted to ruin me for all others.”

I felt a little stupid and immature, but I also knew that I’d do it all over again if I had to. “It killed me the day you told me to take it back. I knew that I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone on my team touching you, let alone taking the one thing I thought I’d never get to have.”

“Surprise, Russo, you’ve had it.” She laughed and waved an arm in the air like a game show hostess. “And, just for the record, I was never interested in Todd Lestare.”

I swallowed hard. “Good. Because the thought of you with him makes me want to stab my own eyes out, so I don’t have to see it in my head.”

“Little dramatic, don’t you think?” she asked through a soft giggle, but I could tell she was enjoying the jealous side of me.

I wasn’t proud of it, but sometimes, feelings weren’t in our control. And, when it came to Julia La Bella, my resolve was only so strong, my emotions only so in check.

“Not when it comes to you. Not when it comes to us.”

“There’s an us now? Is this official?”

“There’s always been an us, Julia. You were just too stubborn or scared to admit it. Tell me you’ve always wanted me.”

She stayed quiet, purely to torture me I was sure.

“Julia,” I ground out, my knee moving to press against her core.

Her body writhed in response. “Fine. You know I have.”

“But I’ve never heard you say it.” My knee moved in small, torturous circles, causing her mouth to open and her tongue to peek out.

“I’m saying it now.” She sounded breathy.

“Say it with actual words.”

“I’ve always wanted you, James. Everyone knows it. Everyone but you apparently.”

Her eyes shot up to meet mine and held them there. My knee stopped moving. I thought my heart had stopped beating. My mind definitely short-circuited before it switched back on. I reached down and scooped her body from the couch as she squealed in half-shock, half-delight.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked through a smile.