“How do you know that?”
“I know you.” Tyler looked away. “You’re thorough, well organized and creative. And like me, you love a challenge.”
Iris stood and walked to him. “You’re trusting me with your reputation. Why?” She stopped less than an arm’s length from him. She couldn’t read the expression in his eyes. But she sensed his body stiffen. Was he as afraid as she was?
Tyler straightened from the wall and lowered his arms. “Things didn’t work out for us personally but I believe in you, Iris.” His voice was gruff. “You’re good at what you do. I want you to be happy.”
Iris blinked back her tears. She took his large, strong hands in hers. The feel of his warm skin sent a flash of pleasure up her arms. “Ty, I’ve been falling in love with you since you made that joke about being my Prince Charming. All I needed was to know that you trust me. Now I do.”
His smile brightened his face and warmed her heart. The shutters lifted from his ebony eyes. In their dark depths, she saw how deeply he loved her. Tyler drew her to him and kissed her, long, hard and deep. She tasted how much he’d missed her. She’d missed him just as much. He held her tightly to his long lean muscles. Iris rose up on her toes to mold her body more closely to his. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders. Tyler’s tongue slipped between her lips. She drew it deeper into her mouth. His erection pressed against her abdomen.
Tyler lifted his head. “I’ve missed you.” His voice was low. The words reverberated in her heart. “I’m lost without you.”
“I’ve been so empty without you,” Iris whispered back.
“I have a favorite song now.”
“What is it?” She smiled up at him.
“It’s the sound of you walking back into my life.” Tyler lowered his head and kissed her senseless again.
* * * * *