She shook her head. “Only for about a dozen or more reasons, not the least of which is that you made it very clear that we didn’t have a relationship.”

“I know. I apologize. I was burying the feelings I was developing for you. They scared the shit out of me, Lace.”

“We’ve known each other a week.”

“A week and three days.” I smiled.

“Oh, okay,” she said sarcastically.

“Look. I don’t have any experience in this kind of stuff. That’s for sure. But I sure hated seeing you with both of those pretty boys. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but when I came out here this morning and saw you pick that flower and put it behind your ear, I knew. And if I had any lingering doubts at all, they were erased when I watched that bozo cuff you. I was willing to do anything to protect you. I would have shot the motherfucker dead if I’d thought he was going to harm you in any way.”

She gulped audibly. “Rock, I—”

I touched my finger to her lips to silence her. “You don’t have to say anything. But I’m glad I told you. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to utter three words in my life.”

“No,” she said, brushing my hand away. “I’m glad you said it. Surprised…but very, very glad. Because… I love you too, Rock.”

Warmth spread through me like the joy of a child on Christmas morning. I’d never known such wonder, such happiness. I wanted to shout to the world that I was in love and then take her inside and make passionate love to her for the rest of my life.

“You have the most beautiful smile,” she said. “It lights up your whole face.”

“Nothing about me is anywhere near as radiant as you are.” No truer words. She stood before me in her simple clothes, no makeup, wildflowers behind her ears.

She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I mean, you said—”

“Forget what I said. I was scared. I love you, Lacey Ward. I love you so damned much.” I pulled her to me and crushed my lips to hers.

As many times as I’d kissed her, this one was different. Different and amazing and wonderful. The soft moan from the back of her throat hummed, and I felt more than heard it. The kiss was so raw, so powerful, and my cock throbbed.

I was wearing only the jeans, so the denim rubbed against me as I hardened. I pushed into her, trying to ease the ache, but only one thing would crush this yearning.

To be inside her. Inside that hot little pussy that gripped me so tightly.

I broke the kiss abruptly. “Inside,” I said. “Now.”