Patrick put their suitcases in the trunk, tipped the valet and climbed into the car. Cassie was stretched out in the passenger seat, relaxed in a pair of sunglasses, a tank top and shorts. She was all long legs, bare skin and smiles, and he was going to be sad to lose this version of her when they got back.

But maybe he wouldn’t have to lose her.

Anxiety formed a knot in his stomach as they drove back to her parents’ house. He had so much he wanted to say to her—to ask about the future. To make sure last night was everything she’d hoped it would be. He’d wanted to talk when they woke up, but they’d slept in until right before checkout, and he didn’t want to discuss their future while cleaning up broken zip ties and checking over her bruises.

She wasn’t too worse for the wear. She’d said her scalp was tender, and her wrists and knees were a little sore, but that was all. She’d kissed him in the quick shower they’d shared before they left, and it had made any lingering worries disappear. Because there had been worries. From the moment they got back from the wedding until he’d woken up beside her this morning.

He’d had to psych himself up for it, before she returned from getting the ice. But once she walked in the door, he’d been swept up in the scene, acting as awful as he could. No filter. Just punishing words and angry, mean sex. He had no idea he could be that horrible and enjoy it, so lost in what he was doing he wasn’t sure where the act ended and the two of them began again.

When it was over and she’d covered her face and curled up in a ball, he’d yanked himself out of the role, sure he’d screwed it all up. Certain she regretted it. Convinced he’d wake up in the morning and find her gone.

None of that had happened. Instead she’d burrowed into his arms and told him she was his.

Now he needed to solidify that.

The bride and groom’s family were all together for a brunch at Cassie’s parents’ house. Paper plates were balanced precariously on every flat surface. Patrick had a feeling this was how it usually was there, with family on top of family, always something going on and the house full up with people and life. He envied the closeness, the love that was evident there, even in their teasing and yapping, but if all went as planned, he’d still be a part of it, even after they returned to New England.

When they sat down to eat, Cassie’s father asked her for an update on things at work.

“I have a big meeting tomorrow,” she said. “If everything works out, you’ll be looking at Forrester, Schaeffer and Pierce’s next partner.”

“That’s great. I’m proud of you, Pumpkin.”

Patrick smiled through his bite of food. It seemed he wasn’t the only one who had nicknames for her. He leaned in to Cassie and whispered, “Pumpkin, huh? I’m glad he doesn’t call you princess.”

She elbowed him in the ribs.

“Patrick,” Cassie’s mother said from across the table. “What do you think of that?”

“Of Cassie making partner?”

“Sí.”

He tried to read the subtext. Was she asking if he was proud of her too? Or if he was okay with her having a position of authority? “I think Cassie’s drive and determination is the sexiest thing about her.”

It was true, and a chorus of awwws were the background to their short, sweet kiss.

Later that afternoon, after they’d said their goodbyes and headed to the airport, Patrick’s heart pounded in his chest. She’d been busy with her niece and nephew when he’d spoken to her father, and now there was a sense of urgency. He couldn’t let this weekend go, couldn’t allow her to get on a plane without him without making this happen.

Their flights were a few hours apart, but when they got through security, hers had already been announced. They ducked into restrooms to change into the heavier clothes they’d stashed in their carry-ons. When they reached her gate, Patrick put their bags down and pulled her against a column.

He took a breath. “I know we said we said this was going to be short-term, that it was only about sex and living out your fantasies, but…”

She looked up at him, her smile open and willing. “But?”

That face. Those eyes. Only she could make him this tongue-tied. “But I don’t want this to end.”

She exhaled heavily. “Neither do I.”

“You don’t?” His heartbeat was choking him.

“No. Not at all. I—”

Too elated for words, he kissed her. Everyone in the terminal had to be watching, but Patrick didn’t care. Let them look. She was his. Cassie slid her fingers into his hair, laughing through their kiss. He smiled and pressed his forehead to hers.

“I know we weren’t supposed to have feelings. I know that was the rule but—”

“Rules are overrated.”

“Fuck the rules. I don’t want any more rules. I just want to be with you.”

“Me too.”

“Good. ’Cause we’re gonna do this.” Patrick wasn’t sure he’d ever felt joy like this. “I didn’t want to feel this way again about anyone, but you’ve changed me, and I can’t hold it back anymore.”

“You fell for me against your will?” she asked with a touch of sarcasm. “How romantic.”

“It’s true. You won me over. You’re the most intelligent, beautiful, pain-in-the-ass woman I’ve ever met, and—” She smiled wide, blue eyes shining as bright as the ocean. He was going to say it. Right here in the airport. “I want to marry you, Cassie. I want all that crazy stuff I never thought I’d want. The house and white picket fence and dog and kids. I’ve already talked to your father, and he gave his blessing. I love you and I want it all, if you’ll have me.”

Her face changed. Her smile dropped off, and a little V formed between her brows. “You…what?”

“I asked your father for your hand in marriage.” He was proud of it too. Figured if he was going to do this, he should do it the right way.

“I heard that part,” Cassie said. “It’s the kids part I’m not sure about.”

Patrick laughed. Yeah this had to be disorienting as fuck for her. “I know you said you were putting kids on the back burner—”

“And you said, ‘kids aren’t for me.’ Those were your words.”

Always fighting him. Oh, Cassie. “I know what my words were.”

“So, what? You…changed your mind?”

Why was she fixating on that? Did she not hear him say he loved her? “I did. After this weekend being with your family, seeing you with them, it changed everything for me.”

Cassie’s expression shifted. Her mouth pressed into a thin line and her eyes went icy cold.

“I said I wanted this to continue, and see about having a relationship. Not that I wanted to be the mother to your children. But I don’t even think this is about me. I think you spent a weekend with ‘Latina Cassie,’ and it reminded you of Sofía. And now you’re projecting a fantasy on me that has nothing to do with me at all.”

He stood stock-still, his face burning as if she’d slapped him. The most humiliating thing to ever happen to him, the thing he’d trusted her and no one else with, and she’d thrown it in his face.

“Is that what you think? That I’m reliving the past?”

Cassie shrugged and crossed her arms. “Am I wrong?”

He thought so, but who cared? She’d cut him too deep for him to fight her anymore. “I think you’ve made your own decision, so it doesn’t matter what I say.”

Her flight was called over the loudspeaker. Cassie picked up her bag and retrieved her boarding pass. “Look, we had our thing, and it was great. But if children are what you want, you should feel free to pursue that with someone else. You’ve fulfilled my fantasies, and now my claim on you has ended.”

“Thank you for clarifying that.” He picked up his own bag. “I hope you have a safe trip home.”

“You too.”

Patrick walked away without another word. He’d done it again. Handed his heart to a woman and she’d thrown it back in his face. There was no point in telling her having children wasn’t what mattered. That wasn’t what had changed.

Having her claim him for good was what he’d really wanted.