gazed up at him and smiled. “Oh, Dane.” She stroked his cheek, her green eyes glowing. “I love you, too.”
At first he was confused, then joy surged through him. His lips turned up in a crooked smile. “Really? But, what about Rafe?”
“So you finally remembered me?” Rafe said in a deadpan tone, his arms folded over his chest.
Dane drew away from her reluctantly. Fuck, now he had to explain to his brother why he’d stolen away his woman. Again.
“Rafe, I’m sorry. You’re my brother and you’re important to me, but I had to give Jessica all the facts.”
“That’s my brother, all facts and logic.”
Jessica frowned. “Rafe, why are you arguing about this? We’ve already agreed things are over between us.”
At those words, Dane’s heart thundered in his chest. “You did?”
Rafe chuckled. “Because we’re brothers, Jess. That’s what brothers do.” He walked forward and held out his hand to Dane. “Since I assume you’re going to be my sister-in-law, you should get used to that.”
Dane shook his head. “You were just screwing with me?”
Rafe shrugged. “As I said, that’s what brothers do.”
Filled with elation, Dane grabbed Jessica again and tugged her into his arms. Her lips, so soft under his, sent his blood boiling. God, he wanted her, and he couldn’t help thinking that another round with the three of them could do them all a world of good. And it would allow him to order his annoying younger brother around.
But first …
He took Jessica by the hand and led her to the couch, then tugged off his tie and began to unbutton his shirt. She watched enthralled as his shirt parted.
“You two want me to leave?” Rafe asked.
Dane chuckled. “You really want to run off, don’t you?”
Jessica’s eyes widened as she saw the decorative heart drawn on his chest, and the words written in script proclaiming his love for Jessica inside it. She reached out and stroked her fingertips over the heart.
“You got a tattoo?”
“It’s temporary. Melanie drew it on. But if you want me to, I’ll have it made permanent to show you how much I love you.”
She laughed. “Dane, you don’t have to be Rafe for me to love you.” She stroked his cheek. “I love you exactly the way you are.”
He knelt in front of her and pulled out the small box he’d put in the pocket by his heart, then held it out and opened it. She stared at the large diamond ring in the black velvet cushioned box and her eyes widened. When she gazed at him, he could see tears welling in her eyes and he braced himself for the rejection he felt sure was coming.
“Oh, Dane.” Her voice broke and she wiped a tear from her eye. “It’s beautiful.”
“You have to actually ask her,” Rafe said in a stage whisper.
Damn, he was being an idiot. The woman just befuddled him so much.
“Jessica, will you marry me?” Dane said.
Her face beamed with her bright smile and she nodded, wiping away another tear, then she threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. She found his lips and her passionate kiss sent his heart soaring.
He drew his mouth away and tugged the ring from the box, then took her hand and slid the ring on. A feeling of possessiveness and satisfaction that she was finally his swelled within him. He pulled her into another kiss, their lips meshing, then their mouths consuming each other with passion.
Rafe stood up and started toward the door. “I really do think I should leave you two alone.”
“Brother, sit,” Dane commanded. “You are going to help us celebrate.”
“Exactly what did you have in mind?” Rafe asked.
Dane gazed into Jessica’s eyes and raised his eyebrow questioningly. She grinned and nodded.
“Well, first I think Jessica should apologize for running away. Don’t you agree, Jessica?”
She stood up and bowed her head. “Yes, Mr. Ranier. I am very sorry I ran away. Please forgive me.”
“Good. Now strip off your blouse and skirt.”
“Yes, sir.”
She
John B. Garvey, Mary Lou Widmer