I laugh to myself. I guess that explains why Dad was acting a little weird when I left. He guessed what was going on.
“Well?” Calder says. “Do you think you can forgive me? Are you willing to give me another chance?”
“I don’t understand,” I say. “What about your job?”
He brushes a bit of hair behind my ear with his thumb. “I quit.”
“What?”
He gives a little smile and cups my face. “I quit. The moment I heard what had happened to you, I went to Tim Renley and resigned. From there I headed straight to the airport. Took the first open flight.” He glances down at himself. “I’m stuck with only this suit and whatever’s in my pocket for now.”
He must read the incredulity on my face, because he adds, “It’s just a job. I’ll find another.”
“But it was the perfect opportunity for you.” Even now—especially now—I hate the idea of him giving it up for me.
“Perfect?” He shakes his head. “I guess you and I have different definitions of the word.” He presses his forehead against mine. “This is more important. You are more important. If I have to shovel garbage or scrub toilets or sell every last thing I own, I’ll do it if it means I can stay close to you. This is what’s perfect.”
I start to shake my head, but his hands are still on my cheeks and he stops me. “No arguments.”
I look up at him, at his dark, wicked eyes and gently-curving mouth.
“But arguing is what we do best,” I tease.
He smiles. “Perhaps what you do best…”
I catch him by the front of the shirt. “Maybe I like arguing with you.”
He lowers his face to mine. “Then I will argue with you whenever you like.”
“I dare you to try.”
He kisses me, and I playfully bite down on his lip. When he pulls away, he’s laughing. It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.
“I love you,” I tell him once more.
Calder’s grip on me tightens. “Say that again.”
I smile. “I love you, Calder Cunningham.”
“And I love you.” He grabs my face and kisses me fiercely.
The next thing I know, he’s scooping me up and carrying me out of the room.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask. I tilt my head and kiss his neck.
“To your office. I’m going to make love to you on the chair where you touched yourself.”
My cheeks grow hot, but I don’t object. He can make love to me anywhere he wants. I’m his completely.
“Truth or dare?” I whisper in his ear as he carries me down the hall.
“Dare,” he says, his voice husky.
“I dare you to stay with me forever.”
He lets out a laugh. “Is that all?”