Page 213 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

My chest hurts.

"I want New York to stay part of my life. But I want Oakridge to be where I come home."

I can't move. Then she says the words I didn't know I was still afraid I'd never hear.

"I want to build a life with you." Her mouth trembles. "If you would have me."

I stare at her.

"If I would have you?"

She gives the smallest nod.

"Maddy."

My eyes burn. I shake my head because I can't believe she just asked me that.

"If I would..."

I can't finish. I leave my chair and go to her. My hands close around her face. Then I kiss her. Her fingers curl around my forearms before sliding to my waist, holding me there. I kiss her again. Then I lower myself and kneel in front of her, between her knees, until we're nearly eye to eye. Her hands move into my hair. She kisses me this time. Again. And again.

When we finally separate, my hands are at her waist. She brushes my hair back with both hands, then cups my face. Her eyes are wet. So are mine.

"I love you, Maddy."

Her mouth trembles into a smile.

"And I love you, Javier."

She kisses me. Slowly this time. I close my eyes and let myself have the moment. No fear about tomorrow. No years behind us that need fixing. Just Maddy.

When she pulls back, I rest my forehead against hers. For a moment, neither of us moves. Then I stand and draw her up with me. Her arms slip around my waist, and mine settle around her. I look down at her.

"I should've told you in New York."

She stills.

"Told me what?"

"That I loved you."

Her eyes widen.

"Why didn't you?"

I brush my thumb beneath her eye.

"Because I saw you there. The restaurant. The expansion. Everything you and Julian had built." I take a breath. "You already had enough on your shoulders. I didn't want to put my feelings there too and make you think you owed me an answer."

Her fingers tighten at the back of my neck.

"You wouldn't have been putting anything on me."

"I know that now."

"You should've told me."

"I should have."