Page 63 of Virgin Territory
“Never.” He kissed her nose. “Remember how your ex’s martial arts studio closed down last month?”
“Do I remember when the bank repossessed Stefan’s gym because he’d been committing tax fraud? Yeah that rings a bell, and a warm happy feeling. But why are you bringing him up on this perfect day?”
“Because my financial advisor is up my ass to make more investments. He’s a believer in real estate. Says Denver is booming.”
“Okay?” She furrowed her brows, unsure where this was going.
“I want what they have,” he murmured, turning her around, holding her at the waist as they watched Breezy and Jed kiss. Tor and Neve stood beside them for the picture. Tor’s face was serious until Neve sneaked out her fingers to tickle his ribs.
He rested his jaw on the top of her head and she leaned into the solid strength of him. “I want to put a ring on your finger.”
“I’m not in opposition,” she said slowly, her cheeks flushing.
“But first I want to give you something else. Something that’s just for you. No strings attached.”
He stepped away and she turned as he got down on one knee, removing an envelope from his pocket.
“What is this?” she asked with a startled laugh.
“I bought the building,” he said. “Your dream building. It seemed a fair trade given that you’ve made so many of my dreams come true.”
“You...” Her brain flatlined. “You are giving me a space to start Sanctuary?”
“Seems fitting, considering you’re mine.”
“Patrick, I don’t know what to say.”
“You sign that and your name is on the deed. Co-owner.”
“Co-owner.” Her lips moved soundlessly. “I don’t know what to say except that I love you so much. It’s one thing to believe in my dreams. It’s another thing to back it up with a building.”
“I’m the base. You’re the flyer. That’s how we work. Right?”
“Does this mean you’re going to keep doing Acro Yoga with me?”
He stood up and grinned down at her. “If it means I get to keep touching that sweet ass, I’m willing to do anything.”
“You’re bad,” she said, looping her arms around his shoulders. “But you are so good for me.”
“Would you settle for me sweeping you off your feet in a meadow?” He pulled her up, cradled her against him and spun around.
“You think this will really work? Us as business partners.”
“Forget all the reasons why it won’t,” he murmured. “And think of the one that will.”
And then he kissed her, the way he did everything these days, with focus, with purpose and with love.
