It was past three in the morning when Jagger returned to the hotel. After getting Robby settled, he strode through the quiet lobby toward the back of the property. Once outside, he hurried down the beach, quickly passing the boulders.

Taylor was staring at the ocean, wrapped in a blanket, and surrounded by faux candles. His heart beat faster. He loved her so much, and for so many reasons.

Sinking down, he greeted her with a kiss. “Hello, beautiful.”

Her smile set his heart afire and the happiness in her eyes settled his soul. He framed her face with his hands and dropped several worshipful kisses on her mouth. “Your lips are cold. Have you been outside long?”

She draped a blanket around his back and he pulled her flush against him. “Long enough to calm down. Before we get into all of that, I owe you an apology.”

“For what?” he asked, furrowing his brow.

“I got weird when you gave me back my shoes and I’m very sorry.”

His eyes softened. “It’s okay.”

She kissed his cheek. “Thank you. So, what happened to Robby? Is he okay?”

“Kate gave him shellfish. I hate to think she did that on purpose.”

“I wouldn’t put it past her.” Breaking eye contact, Taylor shifted her sights toward the never-ending ocean. “That’s not all she’s done.”

After she explained how Kate had attempted to sabotage their relationship, Jagger’s eyes grew cold. “She sickens me. How’d you know those were old photos?”

“Your hair was shorter and I noticed a mole on your chest that’s not there now.”

“Nice catch. I had a precancerous growth removed.” He shifted his sights toward the shoreline. “I’m sorry you had to see those pictures. That was me hitting rock bottom.”

She rose on her knees and faced him. “Was, as in, past tense.”

Her sweet expression grounded him. “Your trust means everything to me.” Before she could reply, he stole another kiss. “I thought you and Kate were old friends.”

“Total frenemies.” She shivered. “She was counting on my running scared. But you changed me, Jagger.”

“No, babe. You changed you,” Jagger said before cloaking her in a blanket. “All I did was help you realize the truth.”

“I want to tell you something,” she whispered. “It sounds stupid when compared with your—”

“Taylor.” He cupped her chin. “No comparing.”

“Okay.” She cleared her throat. “I was a skinny kid. Super skinny. Dorky and uncoordinated, too. I was always the last one to get picked for a team sport. Mean girls poked fun at me. A lot. In high school, several boys commented on my flat chest.”

He grimaced. “That’s harsh. They’d regret their words if they saw you now.”

“Thank you,” she said. “Seeing Kate stirred up my insecurities. But I’m determined to move beyond them and accept myself the way I am.”

Her inner strength tugged at his heart. But his happiness was overshadowed by the damage Kate had caused. She had to be dealt with. Anger clouded his thoughts and he shoved off the ground. “I’m going to fire her, but not before I talk to Robby about pressing charges.”

“All of that can wait.” Taylor patted the empty spot. “C’mon back down here and stay with me awhile.” Her voice turned playful. “Time for a massage. I picked up some pointers earlier and want to try them out.”

She’s right. He exhaled a huff as he eased back down and scooped her onto his lap. With a lighthearted laugh, she wrapped her arms around his neck. For now, he’d focus on what really mattered. And that was Taylor.

“Good show?” he asked.

“I’ll reenact it and let you decide.”

“I already know I’m going to love it.” He tightened his hold. “Thank you for insisting I add the kink.”

“It was my pleasure,” she said, combing her fingers through his hair. Though she smiled, sadness banked in her eyes.

And he knew why. While at the hospital, Robby had mentioned she’d booked her return flight the following day because her boss expected her back at work. Jagger suspected her hasty departure had nothing to do with Colton and everything to do with him. For the moment, he’d say nothing. He had loose ends to tie up, a publicist to fire, and one hell of a surprise to prepare for.

“I missed you, tonight,” he murmured, nibbling her earlobe. When his mouth found hers, her soft moans and tender touch turned him hard. But being with her revolved around much more than coupling. Their relationship was grounded in trust and in facing fears. They believed in each other and, in turn, themselves. In Taylor, he’d found a home that none of his hotels could ever give him.

The kiss ended and she hugged him. Her sweet essence surrounded him, confirming what he already knew. She was the one.

“Tonight, I want to watch us in the mirror…one more…” Her voice cracked and she bowed her head. Allowing her a moment, he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Without a mask,” she continued. “Not just for you, but for me, too.”

“My brave, raven-haired beauty.” They lay beneath the blankets and snuggled close. He wanted her to know how he felt, before she left. “I love you,” he whispered as they gazed up at the bejeweled night sky.

Lifting her face, she peered into his eyes. “I love you, too, Jagger.”

Their tender kisses and soft giggles bowed to heart-filled passion. Jagger made love to her like it was their last time.

Because if she wasn’t willing to uproot her life, it very well could be.