Crave (Billionaire Bachelors Club #1)(52)
“Forever?” I ask breathlessly
“Yeah.” He kisses me again, deeper this time, my lips parting for his persuasive tongue. “Marry me, and we can go into business together. Bancroft and Bancroft,” he says after he breaks the kiss.
“Bancroft and Emerson?” I joke, though my head is spinning at his words and what they all mean.
“Baby, if you’re going to marry me, you have to take my name. I’m kind of old-fashioned like that.” He frowns. “I can’t believe I just said that. I sound like a macho ass.”
Laughing, I circle my arms around his neck and press my fingers against his nape, forcing him to kiss me again. “I loved that you just said that. I will gladly take your name, Archer. Though I’ll be the first Bancroft in Bancroft and Bancroft, I hope you know.”
“I don’t think so,” he murmurs against my smiling lips. “My first name starts with an A. Yours with an I. I’m afraid I’m first.”
“Shouldn’t you be polite? Ladies first, after all,” I tease as he pulls me in closer.
“I think I can do that.” He presses his forehead to mine, staring deep into my eyes. “I need to hear you say it, Ivy.”
“Say what?” I’m confused. Dazzled. Lost in his dark brown gaze, those golden flecks dancing with so much happiness.
He doesn’t say a word, merely continues to stare at me until realization slowly dawns. “Oh.” Tipping my head up, I kiss him. Softly. Reverently. “I forgive you, Archer.”
“I forgive you too, Ivy.” He’s smiling, knowing I’m teasing him, drawing it out. “And?”
“And I love you. So much, I thought I might die without you these last two weeks.”
“I feel the same way, baby. The same exact way. Don’t ever leave my side again.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
“Become just my wife. Nothing else. Just mine.” He’s teasing again and this time his words don’t hurt.
This time, his declaration fills me with so much love I know he’s the man for me.
“Only if you become just my mine too,” I say with a smile.
“I already am,” he admits. “You own me, Ivy. You own my heart. There’s no one else I’d rather belong to.”
I kiss him, unable to stand it any longer, my heart and soul completely transformed when I hear him whisper two simple words.
“Just you.”