What Are You Afraid Of? (The Agency #2)(110)

The mere thought was enough to stir his blood. Or maybe his blood was being stirred by the sight of Carmen, who’d stepped onto the back porch.

She was wearing faded jeans and one of his flannel shirts. Her hair was a tumble of golden curls and there was dirt on her face.

She’d never been more gorgeous.

With steps that were more a jog than a stroll, he moved across the yard and vaulted up the stairs. His heart soared as she walked directly into his arms.

He thought back to the first moment he’d seen her standing on the beach. Her beauty had been luminous. As if she was glowing from inside.

He’d known he was in trouble. He just hadn’t known it was a forever-and-ever kind of trouble.

“It’s about time,” she murmured.

He planted a kiss on top of her tousled curls, breathing deeply of her lemony scent.

“Did you miss me?”

“Maybe a little.”

“Just a little?”

She snuggled closer. “Maybe a lot.”

“Mmm. I like the sound of that.”

He pressed another kiss to the top of her head before urging her back into the house. The icy breeze was starting to pick up. They needed to finish up and get on the road to the airport.

Reaching the living room, he glanced around at the barren floors and walls.

“Do you need me to do anything?” he asked.

She shook her head. “The movers hauled everything to the storage unit you rented. All we need to do is drop the key by the real estate office.” She paused, glancing around with a small sigh. “It feels so empty.”

He pulled her tight against his side. “Are you sure you’re ready to give up this place?” he demanded. “You know there’s no hurry to make a decision.”

She sucked in a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. “It’s time. My grandfather would be sad to see the place falling apart. He would want a family here who are willing to devote their lives to the land.” She turned to meet his worried gaze with a small smile. “Besides, I’m ready to put the past behind us and concentrate on the future.”

He leaned down to press a lingering kiss against her lips. “Our future.”

“Our future,” she readily agreed.

Lifting his head, he studied her upturned face. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” She reached to grab his hand. “I’m ready.”

Holding hands, they walked out the door, facing the world together.