“She’s having a party, youknow. This coming week.”He took a sip of wine. “I know. I received an invitation this morning before you arrived.According to her flowing prose, I am to be the guest of honor.” He shuddered.Miranda couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, my mother is quite taken with you now that you’re assisting us financially. I’m sure she’ll fawn over you all evening.”He downed the remainder of his wine in one swig. “Dear God, now I wish I hadn’t accepted the invitation.”She giggled at his twisted, pained expression. “Oh, of course you must come. Drink the wine, appreciate the orchestra. After all, you’re paying for it.”Ethan’s expression went from a playfully pained one to a truly pained one for a brief instant. His frown drew down and he looked at her evenly.“No, Miranda. I believe it is you who are paying,” he said softly.”

“He ran the back of his fingers along her flushed cheek. His touch was soft, and she leaned her head in his direction. “My beautiful girl,” he said.She took in his expression. “You think I’m beautiful?”“I don’t think you’re beautiful, Haven,” he said. “I know you are.”

“I’ll call you Tuesday,” he whispered. I lifted my wineglass his way and invited, “You do that.” He didn’t move. I took another sip of wine. When I lowered my glass, reading me yet again, he noted, “You’re not gonna answer.” “Nope,” I replied, sounding shockingly cavalier considering my insides were bleeding.”

“He stared at her and his smile slowly faded. He put his hands on his hips. He took a deep breath and felt tears gather in his eyes. “You’re all I need to be happy, Shelby,” he said. “You’re everything I need…”He actually surprised her. Her arms dropped from over her chest and she gaped at him for a second.“You’re everything,” he said. “It scares me to death, but I want it all with you. I want you for life. I want what you want, and I want it right now. Everything, Shelby. I want you to be the lead in my shoes that keeps me on the ground. The mother of my children. My best friend, my wife, my mistress. It’s a tall order.” He took a breath.“If you won’t quit, I won’t.”

“If you think I give a rat’s ass about that cooler, you don’t know me at all. Nothing I own is worth your pain.”Then, quietly, he took down one of his walls for her. “I know you.”

“Be quiet, Ash. I am trying to remember you.”In the lamplight, shadows collected on his face as his eyebrows drew down. He must have taken her meaning, because he shook his head. “Well. I am trying to have you.” His voice was fiercely possessive. “Not for one night, nor even two. I want you every evening—mine outright, not a few hours stolen here or there. I want you during the day, on my arm. I want to know that when we’re apart you’re missing me; I want to know when we’re together, I’m the one who puts the smile on your face.” He punctuated each phrase with a kiss—against her chin, the line of her jaw, the hollow of her neck.”