Overheard (Unspoken #2)(25)

“Not a word,” he said, his eyes still flashing angrily. “I swear I don’t know where you get some of those fool-headed notions of yours. I’m so tempted to turn you over my knee and spank your ass.”

Her cheeks warmed as she remembered him doing precisely that.

“This week has been the best week of my life, Gracie. And you’re the reason for that. Yeah, I overheard your conversation with Michelle. And yeah, it made me see you in a new light. It made me realize how much we had in common and how stupid I was for never seeing it, for never asking you out.

“Yes, I wanted to give you a weekend you’d never forget, but I also want to give you a lifetime of those weekends. You and me, tearing up the sheets, eating each other alive. Gracie, when I’m with you, I swear I don’t even think straight. The chemistry between us is off the charts. But more than that, you’re my best friend. I love you. I think I’ve always loved you, and I want to spend my life with you. There’s no one I have a better time with. No one who understands me like you do.

“I f**ked up. I should have told you I heard you and Michelle talking, but honest to God, it never even occurred to me that things could go so terribly wrong. I planned to spend the weekend making all your fantasies come true and then I was going to get down on my knees and beg you to make mine come true by marrying me.”

Gracie stared at him in shock. Her mouth fell open and tears spilled over onto her cheeks.

“You love me?” she whispered.

“After a speech like that, can you doubt it?” he asked.

She laughed and put her hand up to cup his cheek. “Oh, Luke, I was such an idiot. I was so afraid. I’d fallen so hard for you, and in that moment, I was so afraid you didn’t feel the same.”

He gathered her in his arms and held on tight. “I’m sorry I hurt you, Gracie. I’d never do anything to hurt you on purpose.”

She hugged him back, trying to blink away the tears that streaked down her cheeks. Relief and euphoria like she’d never known rolled through her system.

He pulled slightly away and kissed her. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her so tenderly, so full of love that it was hard to hold the tears at bay.

“Will you marry me, Gracie?”

“Yes. Yes!”

She threw her arms around him again and peppered his cheek and neck with kisses.

The door leading from the garage to the kitchen slammed and Luke whirled around. Gracie saw Wes standing in the doorway to the living room, concern etched on his face.

“Gracie, are you all right?” he asked anxiously.

She looked at Luke and, at his nod, stood up and walked over to Wes.

“I’m fine, Wes. I’m sorry for blowing up like I did.”

“Ah hell, Gracie, no need to apologize.”

He walked forward and wrapped his arms around her. He squeezed her tight and stroked a hand through her hair.

“I’m sorry if we hurt you, girl. I’d cut off my right arm before doing anything to hurt you.”

He drew away and kissed her warmly on the lips. He let his tongue mingle with hers as his hands stroked up and down her back.

“I hope you don’t regret the weekend,” he said huskily. “You’re one special woman. Luke is a lucky man.”

She hugged him again. “He’s asked me to marry him.”

Wes pulled away from her and grinned. “And you said?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Well, hot damn. Congratulations. To both of you.”

He put his hand out to Luke then pulled him into a bear hug. “I’m gonna get on out of here and leave you two to sort things out.”

He ruffled Gracie’s hair. “Love you, girl.”

She smiled. “Love you, too, Wes. And I don’t regret this weekend.”

Fire blazed in his eyes. “I’m glad.”

He turned and walked back out to the garage, leaving Luke and Gracie standing there.

Luke pulled her into his arms and rested his cheek on top of her head. “Did you mean it? You’ll marry me?”

She smiled into his chest. “Just as soon as I can drag you to the altar.”

He loosened his hold on her and stuck his hand into his pocket. “I didn’t get you flowers for Valentine’s Day, but I hope this will make up for it.”

He pulled a small ring box from his pants and held it out to her.

She couldn’t breathe.

She opened it with shaky hands and saw a diamond ring nestled against black velvet.

“Oh, Luke, it’s beautiful!”

He tugged the ring from its perch and slid it onto her finger. “I love you, Gracie.”

She admired her ring for a moment then she looked into his eyes. Brilliant blue eyes that burned with love. Love for her.

“I love you, too,” she whispered.