With his thumb, he rubbed the curve of her cheekbone and stopped at the corner of her mouth. “We had a good long talk about my intentions, my five-year plan, and how I’d allow you to spread your wings,” John continued. “I told him that my intentions were to be the best boyfriend I could be, every single day. My five-year plan included the library and the university, us moving in together, me marrying you. You know, the normal courting process,” he said with a soft chuckle.

Even though her heart pounded, Victoria found herself grinning. They were only just getting around to “normal” courting, but his mind was on the future. Marriage. She could see the same future and, instead of panic, she felt excitement. “What else did you say?”

“I told him that your wings were already unfurled. His daughter was already flying, I just needed to catch up with her.”

She was too thrilled to know what to say.

John continued without her input. “He nodded, took a swig of beer, and checked the turkey even though he had checked it five minutes previously. He said all of that sounded fine to him but to check with you because you’re a ‘grown-ass woman.’”

Tears slid from the corners of her eyes and down her temples. “I am,” she managed to say.

John’s hand left her face and traveled down her arm, to her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I thought as much, but I wanted to have one of those man-to-man talks with him. Marines like ceremony and tradition. Their daughters aren’t too far off the mark.”

“That was lovely of you,” she said with a grin.

“So how about it, my darling? Does your five-year plan include being with a librarian?”

Victoria pulled away from him and groped for the nightstand. Once she’d switched on the light and saw him clearly, her heart melted from the sight of the G.D. Viking who lay beside her. With the blankets at his waist and muscles stretched taut, his beauty was still breathtaking. “I have one condition.”

A dark brow arched. “Yes?”

She swept the back of her arm across her wet eyes and sniffed. “Promise me that we’ll continue our sordid affair.”

His face broke into a wide smile. “I promise, Dr. Reese,” he said, throwing his arm over her middle and dragging her close. As he moved over her, pushing a thigh between her legs, he kissed her deeply. His promise to remain chaste in her parents’ house quickly unraveling as he placed light kisses around her mouth. “I promise to be here at your convenience. All you have to do is ask and I will give you anything, baby.”

Victoria was left breathless.

“Goddammit, Johnny Donovan, I love you,” she said, planting a kiss on his lips.