Page 44 of Her Marriage Pact with the Billionaire
She leaned into him. “Quinn, growing up in two houses was strange. I didn’t get attention from my dad unless I was achieving, and my mom loved me best when I took care of her. Dad would get angry if Ihandledhim. Mom would feel neglected if I didn’t. It wasn’t until I met you that I understood what unconditional friendship—” She glanced up at him from lowered lashes. “—lovefelt like.”
He brushed her hair over her shoulder, needing to feel closer.
“I said I went out in the world tofindmyself, but I think I left so I couldbemyself.” She put her hand in his and laced their fingers together. “That’s who I am when I’m with you. You make it easy to be me because you accept me.”
He blew out a breath. “I didn’t do such a good job of that the other night.”
She shook her head. “You called me on my crap.”
He laughed, surprised by her candor.
“I need someone in my life who will do that for me. But more importantly, I need you, Quinn. The guy who helps me have fun and let go of work and who sees all my faults and loves me anyway.” She held her breath, and Quinn found himself doing the same. “Please say you still love me.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her jasmine-scented hair. “Of course I do.”
She pushed gently out of his hold and pulled something out of her pocket. Holding up a simple gold band, she said, “Quinton Wilaby. I am not a perfect woman. When you’re in college, you think ten years will be enough to grow up, but I’m still working on that. I have faults and baggage, and I love to win, so you’ll never beat me at pinball, but will you marry me?”
Quinn shook his head, taking her by the shoulders. “The library is a horrible place to propose.”
She half laughed and half cried. “I thought it was romantic. We had our first kiss right here.” She pointed at the tabletop. “Quinton, I think that was the moment I fell in love with you.”
He pulled her close, caging her in his arms. “Took you long enough,” he said, his voice going husky.
She chuckled, placing her hand on his cheek. “I love you, Quinn.”
“I love you too.” He kissed her lightly, testing to see if the sparks were still there. His lips burned with a need for her. The same fire burned in her eyes, and their mouths crashed together. Her hands ran through his hair, down his neck, and across his shoulders. He deepened the kiss, unable to hold back.
“Quinn?” she breathed. “You didn’t answer me.”
He kissed her neck, feeling her pulse pound against his lips. “I’m yours, love. My heart has always belonged to you.”
“And my heart will always be yours.” She leaned into him, and he got lost in the feeling of holding her.
Ginny was right. Ten years wasn’t enough to grow up. Being an adult wasn’t a destination; it was a lifelong process, an evolution of the soul. He wasn’t perfect either—a fact that she’d been kind enough not to point out. He’d overstepped bounds and said hurtful things, but she’d forgiven him. That’s how he knew they were going to make it, that they’d be able to stand together against life’s storms. They were going to grow together. That was their strength and their promise.
Ginny always said time went too fast, but that was okay, because time would bring great things into their lives: children, family, and grandkids. They’d have it all because they were together.
