“I see.” He sat up in bed and she was left staring at his back. “Is it a good job?”

She wished she could see his face. It might give her a clue as to how he felt about this. “Yes, it’s a great job with a huge publishing company. The salary and benefits are much better than I have now.”

“That’s good.”

“I haven’t decided to take it.” She sat up, tugging the covers around her as she reached out and placed her hand on his back. He flinched when she touched him, but didn’t move away.

“If it’s the best thing for you, then maybe you should.”

She froze. “Didn’t tonight mean anything to you?”

“Sugar.” He turned and slipped a finger under her chin, tilting it up until she was looking into his face. “Tonight meant everything to me. I love you.” His face was solemn as he stroked her jaw with his thumb. “I want you in my life. Now and forever.” He paused and his smile was tinged with sadness. “I know you might not be ready for that right now, and maybe you might never be ready. But I’ll take whatever you want to give me. If we have to have a long-distance relationship, then I’m willing to try. I can’t leave my new location right away, but I can come to New York on weekends and you can come back here. We can make it work.”

The sheer depth of emotion in his voice mesmerized Candy. He loved her. He had said the words, but more than that, his every action proclaimed it. She knew he’d held back when they’d made love. His care for her humbled her, while at the same time, it made her heart sing.

He’d been brave— she could do no less. “I love you too.” She stroked her thumb across his bottom lip. “I want to be with you. Now and forever. I never really wanted to move, but I knew I couldn’t stay here if things didn’t work out between us. Too many memories.”

“Are you sure, sugar? I don’t want you to regret not taking that job at some point in the future.” His brows furrowed. “Your career is important.” He nipped at her thumb, teasing the pad between his straight white teeth.

And he thought he was too rough and uncaring. Candy was moved by his concern for her. “I’m sure.” She reached out and stroked her fingers over his brow, smoothing away his frown. “I’m happy where I am. And I don’t want to leave my life here.”

“You’ll move in with me?”

“You asking me or telling me?” His quick change of subject left her breathless. He certainly was moving fast.

Lucas laughed. “Asking, sugar. Like I said, I’ll take what I can get.”

“Yes.” Candy wanted to love Lucas again. This time, she didn’t want him to have to hold anything back.

“Marry me, sugar?” The words tumbled from his mouth in a rush. “Damn, I didn’t mean to ask yet. I wanted to buy a ring and cook you supper. Set the scene and do it right. Forget I said that.”

“No.”

Lucas closed his eyes and hung his head. “That’s okay, sugar. I understand.” He raised his head and tried to smile. “Like I said, I’ll take what I can get.”

“I didn’t mean no, I won’t marry you. I meant no, I can’t forget you asked.”

Lucas froze. “What does that mean exactly?”

Joy spilled through her veins as she launched herself at him, knocking him onto his back as she climbed on top of him. “Yes. Oh, yes.” She covered his beloved face in kisses. “I’ll marry you, Lucas.”

Her lips covered his and their kiss deepened. Lucas wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her tight as he devoured her mouth, claiming it for his own. His cock nudged against the inside of her thigh and she reached behind her to stroke it with her hand.

Lucas tore his mouth from hers. “Take me inside you, Candy.”

She didn’t hesitate. Raising herself up on her knees, she slowly lowered herself onto him. This time there was no barrier between them, and the feeling was exquisite. Placing her hands on his chest for support, she wiggled around until she was comfortable.

Lucas laughed. “You’re killing me, sugar.” He gripped her hips in his hands and held her steady. “As good as this feels, I need to get a condom.”

She smiled at him as she began to move, slowly lifting herself up and then coming back down. “I’m on the Pill. I’ve also got a clean bill of health.”

“I’ve never made love without protection, except for the other night with you, so I’m clean.” His hips bucked beneath her. “You’re sure?” he gritted out between clenched teeth.

“Oh, yes,” she moaned.

“Thank God,” he gasped as she raised herself again. This time she came back down harder. “This feels so fucking good. As good as I dreamed it would.”

“And have you dreamed of me?” Riding him like this made her feel powerful and wicked.

“You have no idea,” he groaned as she continued to tease him, riding him harder and harder.

It was much later when Lucas finally came back to his senses again. Candy was draped across his body and his semi-erect cock was still inside her. Just as she had in his dreams, she’d ridden him until he’d exploded. But the reality was far better then the dream could ever be.

He loved the weight of her body covering him and held her tight when she shifted as if to move away from him. She yawned against his chest. “We still have so much to talk about.”

“We’ll talk tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that,” he assured her. “I want you to meet my brother.” Her voice slurred slightly.

“I’d like that, sugar.” He stroked her back with his hand, soothing her. “There are some things I need to tell you too.”

“Okay.” Her easy acceptance made his heart swell with love.

“It’s about those brownies you love so well.” He needed to tell her about the money that he’d made selling the recipe.

“Yum,” she whispered. “You’ll make me brownies.”

His arms tightened around her. “I’ll make you brownies.”

“Love you.” He knew the moment she finally gave up the fight and drifted off to sleep.

“I love you too, Candy.” He was still awake when dawn broke across the horizon, but for the first time in years, he was looking forward to the future.