Chapter Nine

 

Leah sat watching some chick flick on the television after her shower. She was hungry, but Nate had also promised to bring home food. His fridge was empty, so she had nothing to snack on. When the movie got boring, she changed the channel, going up and down, finding nothing of any interest to watch.

Pursing her lips, she stopped on some music and leaned back, closing her eyes. Her head was hurting really bad.

Rubbing at her temples, she tried not to think about Nate or how hopeless she felt. In such a short time, he’d gotten under her skin and into her heart, and she truly didn’t know how to keep him out, if she even wanted to.

He didn’t believe in love.

She knew she loved him with her whole heart.

Their time together was pointless.

Useless.

But she couldn’t walk away.

The door of the apartment opened, and she got to her feet, seeing Nate rush toward her. She offered him a smile, and before she knew what was happening, she was in his arms, and he kissed her passionately.

“Nate, what is it?” she asked when he broke the kiss.

He cupped her face, his thumbs stroking each of her cheeks.

“I lied.”

“What?”

“I lied to you.”

“When?”

“Not too long ago. I told you I didn’t believe in love.”

“I know. You don’t believe it exists.”

“I’m in love with you.”

She opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it. “You’re in love with me.”

“I know it sounds crazy.”

“No, it doesn’t sound crazy at all, but … how is this possible?”

“All of my life I’ve never known love. I’ve known greed and power. People who want to exploit others to get more. I didn’t have a loving family. I know you didn’t as well, but building my empire, I had to harden everything. There were people who would destroy me. They didn’t like what I was building, and because of their anger and pain, I had no choice but to push everyone away. I don’t do love. I’ve never loved anyone or anything. My company has been my drive.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Then one day I saw a cute blonde woman delivering mail. She was so absorbed in what she was doing, she didn’t notice I was watching her. I saw her. Every single day, I’d see her, delivering mail, working hard. Not once did she try to flirt with me, or gain my attention. Then my PA had this crazy idea of training an intern, and she picked the same blonde woman I loved to watch. I didn’t think I’d fall for her. I knew I liked looking at her, and still she didn’t fall all over herself wanting me. Trying to tease me into her bed. She was a virgin when I took her. And I lied to her because I am totally, one hundred percent, in love with her.”

Tears filled her eyes. “You’re in love with me?”

“Yes. I didn’t think it was possible for me to love anyone or anything. It is. Believe me, it is. I love you more than anything.”

There were no words.

She stared into his eyes, and it was like she could see all of his true feelings and it was beautiful. Gripping the back of his head, she kissed him hard, moaning as he kissed her back. His tongue slid across her lips, and she gasped, laughing.

“I love you, Nate,” she said. “I do, and it’s not because of your money.”

“I know.” He laughed. “I know. I love you so much. Marry me.”

“What?” She didn’t know if she was dreaming anymore.

“I’ve wasted so much time already. I could have approached you. Gotten to know you. Dated you. I don’t want to let another moment go by when I don’t tell the world that you belong to me.” He kissed her again. “Marry me.”

“Am I dreaming?”

“No.” He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “You’re not dreaming. You and I, we’re right here, together. I won’t let you go.”

“Yes,” she said.

“Yes?”

“I’ll marry you.”

He kissed her hard, and Leah couldn’t believe it.

Nate broke the kiss. “I’m going to make you the happiest woman on earth.”

“I’m already the happiest woman. There’s no way I could be any happier.” She touched his cheek, marveling at just how happy she was. “I don’t want this moment to end.”

“It’s not going to.” He picked her up and carried her through to his bedroom where he made love to her all night long.