Cyrus helps me off the boat and walks me toward his house while he holds my hand. Our fingers are locked together, and I feel warm all over. I know it’s not from being in the sun all day. Tonight’s been everything I ever wanted. It’s still hard to believe that he’s wanted me all these years. I want to be mad at the wasted time, but I’m done with anger. It’s not going to come between us anymore, even if it’s directed at myself.

“I’ll help you paint that if you want.” I point toward the pink fence and bite my lip to keep from smiling. I did that after too many shots with Nikki on my twenty-first birthday. Cyrus came to the bar and blocked any man from even looking at me. In uniform, too. Painting his fence was our way of payback. I thought he was acting like a protective brother. When I think back, I see he was acting like a jealous boyfriend. “I can’t believe you left it this long.”

He pulls me in close to him. “I like my pink fence,” he says against my mouth before kissing me softly. He pulls away and we walk up the stairs of his big wraparound porch. It has two rocking chairs sitting on it and even a porch swing. I can picture nights out here with him, cuddled up together.

“I’ve always loved this place,” I admit.

“I know,” he says, and I pull on his hand so he turns around to look at me. “It’s the porch, isn't it? That’s what made me fall in love with it, too.”

“Yeah, it’s the porch, but how did you know I’ve always loved this place?”

“Remember that day you took me out on the four wheeler and showed me around?”

I nod. I remember everything about the days I had with him. I replayed those weeks he’d been here in my head over and over again.

“We rode by here. I saw the way you looked at this place. It was written all over your face. I loved that you loved it. It’s not something big and grand, but simple and made for a family. Not only that, but it’s on the water.”

“You could read all that from a look on my face?”

I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his. I’ve always loved how much bigger he is than me. It always makes me feel girly. I might be part tomboy, but I enjoy feeling like a woman around him.

“Yeah, I pay attention to every breath you take, sunshine. Even back then. I soaked it all up knowing it was all I’d be able to take with me when I had to leave.”

“I love you,” I blurt out. It’s all too much. How could I know love him? In fact, I didn't think I could love him more, but he’s proving me wrong.

His face softens and his mouth turns up into a half-smile. I know that look.

“And I didn't even have to fake my death this time.”

I laugh but still smack his chest. He grabs me by the wrist and kisses my palm, making me melt into him. God, I love him so freaking much. It's a different kind of closeness to someone that I’ve never experienced before.

Before I know what’s happening, he throws me over his shoulder and I burst out laughing. He slaps my ass, and I squeal as he enters the house.

“Hey!” I pretend to be shocked as I play with him and smack his ass back.

“You had that coming.” He follows it up with another one.

This time the smack is a little harder and it makes my lower half warm and tingly. He rubs the spot before he sets me down onto a table and steps in between my legs. I have to spread my thighs wide to accommodate his size.

“You like that?” He leans down and nibbles my neck.

The thin layer of scruff on his face that's grown since this morning makes me gasp. I love the softness of the kiss, along with a hint of rough. The two together does something to me.

“I think you do. I think that’s why you’ve been pulling all those pranks on me. You need a good spanking?” I know he’s teasing, but the idea has my body on red alert.

“Cyrus.” His name comes out in a small moan. I don’t even recognize my own voice. I grip the front of his shirt with my hands. My fingers dig in, and I never want to let him go. He pulls back to look down at me. “It’s just…” I bite my lip, feeling really shy about what I’m about to admit to him.

“You can tell me anything.” He rubs his nose against mine. He puts me at ease instantly with his tenderness.

“I’ve never done this.” I lick my lips, drawing his eyes there.

“Had sex?” he asks. His voice is deeper.

I nod.

“I wondered if some high school prick got to you while I was gone.”

“No, even though I was pissed. It’s always been you.”

“You might not have sent me care packages, but you took care of what’s mine. Didn't you?” My face flames, but I nod.

“It’s more than not having sex.” My eyes meet his. “I’ve never done anything. You were my first kiss only a few weeks ago.”

Cyrus lets out a heavy breath and his chest rises and falls under my hands.

“Cy?” I snap his attention back. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I just want to make sure everything is special for you and all I can think about is pulling you to the ground and making you mine right now.”

“I’m already yours.” I smile at him and kiss him softly.

“Saying that isn’t helping my control right now.”

“You know, I’ve never seen inside this place,” I say, looking around.

I try and change the subject so he can get a moment to collect himself. I know Cyrus is big on his manners around women, and I don’t want him to do something he’ll regret. Even if I like the idea of him losing his control. That I’m the one that can push him to the edge makes me feel special.

“I love you, too,” he responds, unaffected by my attempts at changing the subject. “I’ve wanted to tell you that for so long.” He brushes his lips against mine, and I open for him. I grip his shirt tighter and pull him into me, deepening the kiss.

When he breaks our connection, we’re both breathing heavy. He rests his forehead against mine. “Let me show you where you’ll be living from now on.”

“Is that so?” I laugh, enjoying his bossy side. It makes me feel feminine for some reason. I’m not going to try and figure out if I should like it or not. I’m done fighting this. I’m going to take everything I can get my hands on and not question how things make me feel.

“Look behind you. I’m pretty sure I have no idea what to do with all that.” For the first time I glance back and look over my shoulder.

“Oh. My. God.” I push at his chest, trying to get down off the counter. He grips my hips as I slide off the table and onto my feet. He lets me go and I dart into the kitchen.

“You did this?” My eyes brim with tears.

“Well, I’m not sure if it’s more for me or you. God knows I love to eat your cooking. Now I won’t have to sneak to get some.”

The kitchen is giant. It’s a chef's dream come true.

“I can’t believe you did this.” I turn in a circle, trying to take it all in. From the pure white quartz countertops, to the black wood cabinets, to three freaking ovens and two sinks. One is even in the island.

“I’d do anything to lure you into staying here.”

“It’s all so much.” Too much.

“I built it for you. It’s the least I can do. You’re going to be cooking all our meals in here.” He walks over toward me. I launch myself at him, and he catches me easily. His hands go to my ass as he holds me possessively.

“Say it again,” I push. I want to hear those words on his lips again.

“I love you, Sammy.”

“I love you, too, Cyrus.” I kiss him as he holds me tight. “Why don’t you give me a tour of the bedroom?”