“MacKenzie.” I use her whole name so that she’ll really pay attention to what I’m going to say. “I need you to know that I don’t feel anything for Audrey anymore. I wouldn’t be here if I did. There’s only one woman I obsess over these days, and that’s you.” I tug on her hands so she’ll stand, and I drag her over onto my lap so her legs dangle down one side. “Tell me you believe me.”

She grazes her fingertips down my face. “I believe you.”

“Good. Now let me show you.”

I palm the back of her head and bring her in for a kiss that lasts longer than it should, given that we’re in public. Unlike the me of yesteryear, I don’t have any reservations about anyone here knowing this woman is mine.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kenzie

Andrew and I head back to the room hand in hand after we finish another drink at the bar.

After he dragged me onto his lap and kissed me like that, I wanted to bolt to our room and rip the man’s clothes off, but I sensed that talking about his past had taken a lot out of him. So I thought it might be best if we stuck around for another drink, changed the topic of conversation, and lightened the mood.

My idea did the trick. He seems somehow lighter and less tense now that he’s told me about Audrey.

I feel for Andrew. The pain in his eyes was evident when he told me about her, and I can’t imagine having something so devastating play out in front of everyone you know. Let’s face it, a man doesn’t usually propose unless he’s sure the woman will say yes. Being so blindsided must’ve really been terrible.

It helps me understand him more. When we met, he kept me at a distance and was brisk and cold, and since we’ve officially started seeing each other, I still felt he wasn’t completely letting me in. But with his confession this afternoon, I know that he will. It may take time, but I can be patient because he’s worth it.

We arrive at our room and Andrew unlocks the door, opening it wide and motioning for me to enter first. I do, and the moment the door closes behind us, the tension in the room ratchets up to a ten.

Andrew has been clear that he’s not comfortable sleeping with me without knowing for certain that he thinks we can go the distance, and I respect and appreciate his chivalry. But if I’m honest, all I want is for this man to strip me down and fuck my brains out. Before, when we were just friends, I tried to push those thoughts out of my head, but since we’ve started dating, that’s proved impossible.