Not this year. I’m working hard and spending time with an amazing woman. I’m getting the best of both worlds.

“You okay?” she asks softly.

I glance down to find her watching me. Damn, she’s pretty. I lean down and drop a kiss on her lips. “I’m great.”

Amelia smiles. “I like you a lot, Isaac.”

“I like you, too.” I touch her face, my fingers drifting down her cheek. I like her so damn much it’s almost scary.

“As long as you’re patient with me, I’m pretty positive we could make this work.”

I raise a brow. “You think so?”

She nods. “I have to warn you, though. My parents have—expectations. About who I should be with.”

“Your mom loves me,” I tell her arrogantly. “I brought her a Christmas tree. And I make her daughter happy. She said so.”

Amelia laughs. “True. But they’re very…traditional, especially my father. They already expect me married and thinking about babies.”

I wince. That is the last thing I want to think about. “Babies are not a part of my current agenda.”

“Mine either,” she says in agreement. “I’m just warning you about what you might have to deal with when we pursue this thing between us.”

I normally would’ve mentally told myself not to get my hopes up, but we’re beyond that now.

My hopes are way, way up.

“What thing?” I tease.

She gently pushes my chest. “Dating. We’re going to date, you know.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I salute her with a grin. “Isn’t that what we’ve already been doing?”

Amelia laughs. “Yeah, fine. You’re right.”

I drop a kiss to the tip of her nose. “You’re cute.”

“And I think maybe…you could be the one,” she whispers, her eyes suddenly wide. “I’m probably rushing things.”

My heart expands to twice its size. “I like rushing things.”

Amelia’s brows shoot up. “You do?”

Nodding, I tilt my head toward hers. “Though I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“I thought you believed that love at first sight thing was bullshit.”

“You’re the one who said that,” she reminds me primly. “And that wasn’t a question.”

“Whatever,” I say dismissively. “But you’re right. Well, let’s give this a chance then.”

I keep my voice, my outward demeanor purposely light, though deep inside, I want to jump around and yell like I just won the freakin’ Super Bowl.

She’s quiet, seemingly content as she watches me.

I’m suddenly nervous, needing confirmation. “What do you say?”

Her smile is soft, as is the glow in her eyes. “I say…that’s a good idea.”

I dip my head, my mouth brushing hers. “You really think so?”

“Yes. I really think so.” Her lips part, and we’re kissing. I take it deep. Deeper, curling my tongue around hers, a low groan coming from me. Damn, I could kiss this woman forever, she tastes so damn good. She’s responsive and she fits perfectly in my arms.

Perfectly.

Twenty-Three

Amelia

“Pretty sure I’m rushing things,” I announce to my friends.