Soft footsteps approached.
Laney’s beautiful eyes appeared in the window, peering through the blinds. I lowered my head so she couldn’t see my face, but it was obvious that it was me.
She disappeared.
For a few agonizing moments, nothing happened.
Was she just going to leave the door unanswered?
I was about to knock once more when it swung open.
The brunette gazed at me, caramel eyes wide in shock. She stepped back, nearly tripping over her welcome mat, fingers so tight around the knob that her knuckles turned white.
“Mason,” she stammered. “What are you doing here?”
Thankfully, the girl didn’t sound angry, only surprised.
I stepped forward, yearning to fold her into my arms and never let go. But I held back, knowing that this was my one chance at salvation. I couldn’t fuck things up.
“Laney, I came to apologize.” I started. “I was such an idiot. A giant, fucking idiot. I should’ve just asked you about the guy first. But I was so caught up in my old ways, where I never dared to trust anyone, that I didn’t even think of trusting you – the woman I loved. I was so sure everyone was out to get me, that I even suspected the only woman I ever cared about. When you came into my life, Laney, you took it by storm. I’d never met a girl like you. Sexy, sweet, and innocent all at the same time. You were everything I ever wanted in a woman and I fell madly in love with you.”
Shit, the words came in a torrent, like a flood escaping its source. And desperate to touch that soft flesh, I stepped into her home, taking her hands in mine.
The girl didn’t move an inch, her eyes wide, searching mine.
I continued to apologize. The heartfelt words spewed of my mouth, with no way to to stop. I needed to get all this off my chest or it would slowly suffocate me.
“I should’ve asked you about the photos, Laney,” came my raspy growl, squeezing her hands, praying that she would believe me. “And I’m sorry that I didn’t. I was an idiot for jumping to conclusions, but I’m a proud man and the second I saw you with someone else, anger got the best of me.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “I’ve never reacted so strongly before. Usually, cool as a cucumber is the name of the game, but with you,” I smiled ruefully. “With you, everything’s different.”
The brunette looked at me, expression softening. But I could tell that she was still guarded.
“Mason,” she began slowly.
I cut her off.
“Before I met you, there was no ‘settling down,’ no thought of marriage. Dating was just a game and women were pawns on the chessboard. They didn’t matter to me, and frankly, I didn’t give a damn. They were nothing but fucktoys, playthings if you will.”
She winced slightly, and my heart tore open once again. But as difficult as these words were, I had to say them.
“But you?” I moved closer, my big body hard and urgent. “You were different. You’ve always been different. From the second I laid eyes on you, something happened. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s like the world changed colors, everything going out of focus but you.”
I pulled her closer, hands on her hips, our bodies nearly touching.
“Please listen baby. Please believe me. I love you more than life itself. You were my salvation in the hell hole that was San Remo. Fuck, you were my guardian angel, the only thing that kept me sane. And that’s why, when I saw those photos …” my voice trailed off.
She tilted her chin at me, eyes soft and gentle.
“Yes?” Laney breathed. “Yes, then what?”
I took a deep breath, summoning my courage.
“And that’s why when I saw those photos, I went ballistic. You’re my one and only sweetheart, and I lost it. Completely. I’m so sorry, baby, it was the possessive male in me taking over.”
The house fell into a soft hum as we stared at one another, not quite breathing.
And slowly, I reached into my pocket, fingers tightening around the small box hidden there. Taking a deep breath, I dropped down to one knee, still holding her hand in mine, squeezing gently before letting go.
Laney stepped back, confusion painted on her face, brows furrowed. “Mason what are you doing?” she breathed, genuinely confused.
It hadn’t dawned on her yet.
But that wasn’t going to stop me. I pulled out the box and opened it the giant diamond ring glittering like a midnight star.
Laney gasped. But before she could say anything, I spoke again.
“Will you, Laney?” was my low growl, blue eyes intense. “Will you marry me again?” I caught her gaze with my own, our connection immediate. “I won’t you divorce me,” was my hoarse declaration. “No.”
Laney stared at me for a moment, her eyes glassy. Oh shit. What if she said no? My heart pumped with nervous energy, the diamond throwing glints all over the room.