“But I have work on Monday. I can’t miss work, Malcolm, I just started!”
Again, he gave me a dazed looked. “Baby, we’ll be back Sunday night.”
With a gruff laugh, I threw my hands up and said, “Oh, well why didn’t you say!” With a roll of my eyes, I grabbed his arm to get him to stop. “Malcolm, I’m not used to just jetting off across the country to meet someone for dinner. I’m really not that hard to impress. I’d be perfectly fine with a burger from Sonic and a movie.”
Pulling me into his arms, Malcolm kissed me. Not just any kiss. A toe-curling kiss that quickly had me pulling his shirt from his pants and pleading with him to make love to me.
His hand stopped mind as he pulled his lips away. “Nope. No time. The pilot’s here and ready to go.”
Wait. What?
“P-pilot? What’s he gonna fly?”
Malcolm threw his bag over his shoulder and called out, “The helicopter.”
Swallowing hard, I closed my eyes and said a prayer I’d make it through the next twenty-four hours.
I was so lost in thought, I hadn’t even noticed Malcolm pull into the Russell’s place.
“I need to check on something for Mr. Russell. It shouldn’t take too long.”
With a smile, I replied, “No problem. I love this place.”
Malcolm’s smile widened as he pushed the code for the gate and headed down the long drive. “So, how come the two families don’t really live here anymore?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Russell bought a place in Sonoma, California, and spend most of their time there. Their son and his wife decided that grapes weren’t their thing. They moved to Maine and run a bed and breakfast up there. They were traveling back and forth until recently when they decided they wanted to make Maine their home.”
“Oh, how fun! My best friend, Annie, and I used to dream of having our own bed and breakfast.”
Malcolm’s head snapped over to look at me. “Really? No shit.”
“Really! We talked about moving to Selado and opening one after we went to a bachelorette party there one weekend. The bride’s sister rented out the entire bed and breakfast for us. It was amazing.” I smiled at the memory.
“That’s insane. Adaline wants to open a B and B.”
That piqued my interest. “She does? Here in Texas?”
Malcolm nodded and I couldn’t hide the jealousy that raced through my body. Closing my eyes, I quickly asked for forgiveness in thinking that way. I really liked Adaline and would never want to think ill of her.
When the truck stopped at the stone cottage, my body tingled as the memory of Malcolm and I making love there swept over me.
“Come on, I need to check on something in the cottage.”
Pushing the door open, I jumped out of the truck as Malcolm quickly made his way to my side with his hand in mine.
Are his hands shaking?
“Are you sure you’re okay? Everything is all right?”
He kept his eyes forward as we walked up to the door. “I sure as hell hope it is.”
Frowning, I went to ask him what he meant by that when he opened the door and led me in.
My breath hitched as my eyes bounced around the cottage. Pink peonies filled the room. Everywhere I looked there were bouquets of my favorite flower. The smell in the room was amazing as I took a few steps in. In the middle of the room was the same quilt we sat on during our first date. Next to it, lying down, was Deuce. My hands came up to my mouth to keep from laughing. I was so overcome with happiness I could barely think straight.
“Malcolm, this is amazing! What is all this for?”
Spinning around, I gasped when I saw him down on one knee holding a ring box in his hand.