“Didn’t Sean have a sweet name for you?”

She stared at him, taking a moment to consider whether or not to confide in him. “Sean was only sweet when he wanted something, which means he was sweet all the time. I found out too late that the charm was insincere and manipulative. After a while, I didn’t respond to it because it turned my stomach, so he just demanded.”

If Sean were here, he’d deck him for treating Sarah so callously. “I’m sorry he treated you that way and disappointed you. But I’m not him.”

“I know you mean what you say and how you say it. I know you care about me.”

Hearing the way she said those words, that she meant them, relieved him. “I care more than you know.” He wanted her to see that and believe it. “I can’t promise that I won’t disappoint you. I’m sure I will at some point. But I can promise that I won’t deceive you because I want something from you. And all I want is you and a life with you. It’s that simple.”

Tears and weariness filled her eyes and she began to pace back and forth in front of him. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what to do about you.”

“Keep me,” he suggested.

She hesitated for a split second, then smiled softly. “I have a lot going on right now.”

“I know. I’m trying to be patient. Which isn’t easy for a man like me, because I’m used to getting everything I want. But you’re worth the wait, sweetheart. And the torture.” Because he wanted her in his bed, too, desperately.

She sighed and paced away and then back to him again. “I’m trying to work out how to schedule everything I need to do, and how I can be with you here at the same time. I just don’t know how it’s possible. I’ve finished programming the Knox Project but I still have to travel all over the world to finish the installation.” She stopped midstep and pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. She dropped her hand and stared at him. “I have a dozen other projects, a company to run, people who depend on me, and I’m in love with you.” She paced again and threw her hands up and let them fall. “I don’t know what to do about that either. I have to take the boys home soon and they’re going to miss you terribly. I don’t know if I can take missing you. I have a charity benefit to go to and I don’t even have a dress.” She rolled her eyes and kept going. “The press will be there, wanting me to answer a multitude of questions about my businesses and how I did it all.” Her hands flew up and fell down once more, slapping her thighs. “Quite frankly, I don’t want to tell them anything.”

“Sarah, stop.” Worry quickly overshadowed the soaring elation he felt when she said she loved him. Everything about her was in action. Her body, mind, emotions. Seeing her spin out and spill her thoughts and worries in a tumble of words concerned him. This wasn’t her.