Crave (Billionaire Bachelors Club #1)(51)

“Why not?”

“Because I’m in love with you.”

My heart cracks wide open. “I don’t believe you.”

“It’s the f**king truth.” He grabs the handle of the front door and yanks on it, making the glass rattle. “Open the damn door, Ivy, so I can tell you this sort of thing face to face.”

“We are face to face.”

“I feel like I’m in goddamn prison, talking to you through the glass.” He glares at me, his mouth thin, and I almost want to laugh.

Almost.

I should not open that door. Everyone I know would urge me to tell him to screw off. I don’t need his trouble. And he’s full of trouble.

But he’s also fun . . . and sweet and lovable and sexy and smart. He claims he’s in love with me.

I’m in love with him, too.

So I jumped to the worst conclusion, but would anyone blame me? Archer doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to women. I wanted to believe he was in love with me, but I was scared. Afraid he’d bail on me after the two weeks we were together because that was our original deal, right? Two weeks. Next thing I know I’m ready to turn it into a lifetime and that’s scary.

Maybe I overreacted because I was scared to commit too. Neither of us is perfect.

And then there’s that stupid bet Gage told me about. Why didn’t Archer mention it from the start? I wouldn’t have cared. Those three are always making ridiculous bets with huge payouts. They’re ridiculous. The bet is ridiculous.

Yet he kept it from me like some deep dark secret. Doesn’t he know I’m used to their behavior by now? And I still love him for it?

He’s watching me, his dark eyes looking so haunted I automatically reach out and hit the keypad, punching in the code that deactivates the alarm and flicking the lock so the door can open. Next thing I know he’s rushing in, rushing me, and I’m in his arms, being clutched so tight I can hardly breathe as my face is pressed against his chest, breathing in his familiar, delicious scent. He buries his face against my hair, his entire body trembling, and it’s like I can’t help myself.

I wrap my arms around his solid warmth and close my eyes, savoring being in his arms again.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs against my temple just before he kisses it. “I f**ked up and I’m sorry. Will you ever forgive me? I need you to forgive me, Ivy. I need you in my life. I feel lost without you.”

Tears threaten. Of course. When do they not threaten lately? “I’m sorry too.”

“For what?” He sounds stunned.

“I overreacted. I blamed you and made such a big deal about the bet being a secret but maybe . . . maybe I was scared too.” I pull away slightly so we can face each other. It feels so natural, so right, having him here. Touching me, looking at me with all that love and emotion shining in his eyes. It gives me hope. “If you’d been honest about the stupid bet from the beginning, I wouldn’t have cared.”

He frowns, his brows drawing down. “Really?”

“Archer. I know how you guys operate. I would’ve helped you win that million dollars if you’d let me in on the secret.” I so would’ve. Not anymore though.

Nope. Now I’m ready to throw him to the wolves and make him pay up.

“I’m an idiot,” he says with a sigh. “Your brother said so too.”

“You talked to Gage about me?” I’m in shock.

“I wanted his blessing.” His face turns solemn, his dark brows drawing together. “Considering I’m in love with his sister, I had to clear the air between us and make sure I had his approval.”

“And do you?” I hold my breath for fear of my brother’s reaction.

“I do.” He smiles faintly, though his jaw is still tight. “I think he gets how much I love you. Thank God. Remember, I’m an idiot when it comes to this sort of thing.”

I nod in agreement. He so is. “You are. So am I. Maybe that’s why we’re so good together.”

His expression clears at my words. “I also really messed this up.”

“You definitely did.”

“You’ve never, ever been just Ivy to me.” He cups my cheek, his fingers drifting lightly across my skin. “You’ve become my everything.”

My heart flutters when he touches the corner of my lips with his thumb. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” Leaning in, he kisses me, breathing against my lips all the pent-up hope and love I’ve held deep inside me as well. “I love you, Ivy. So damn much it’s killing me not to have you by my side. I need you. I want you to be my partner in every sense of the word.”

“What do you mean?” My heart is beating so fast I swear it’s going to thump right out of my chest.

“Come live with me. Work with me. Start your own design business in Napa. Do you know how many calls I’ve taken since the opening, all of them asking about you? I could give you a ready-made client list.”

Pride suffuses me. I had no idea. “Including Matt?”

He chuckles. “Yes. He’s reluctant, but I’m trying to sway him. Cheap bastard.”

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. “What about us?”

Archer sobers immediately. “I’m in love with you, Ivy. I want you by my side forever.”