Wild Man Creek (Virgin River #14)(107)

“You have tears running down your cheeks,” he said with a grin. “I think you missed me more than a little.”

“You never called me! You barely emailed me!”

“I was in the jungle. And I missed you so much my whole heart felt broken. I don’t ever want to miss you that much again.”

“And the flying?”

He gave a shrug. “I took a chopper up, just to see how it felt. Felt pretty good. But not as good as being with you.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “Not as good as being inside you. I think it’s time I made a few minor changes.”

“Minor?”

“Might slow down, just a little…. Maybe I’ll take short trips—like a week or two. Maybe you’ll come, too, if you want to. Maybe we’ll admit this thing we have is perfect, not worth messing around with. And stay together forever. If you’re interested, that is.”

She glanced away. “I could think about that.”

He buried his face in her neck. “Think fast,” he growled. “I might peel your clothes off in the driveway!”

She leaned back and put both her palms on his cheeks, staring into his eyes with heat. “Are you done fooling around now? Are you mine now?”

“I am totally and helplessly yours. I’ll get a tattoo if you want. I’m in love with you, Jilly. Like I’ve never been in love in my whole, stupid life.”

“And you feel you have your life back?” she asked him.

“Not exactly like that,” he said. “I feel like I have a whole new life, one I didn’t even realize was waiting for me. You’re everything I need, Jilly. Without you? I can’t even think about it.”

“But what about your adventure? Do you need more adventure to feel like you’re alive?”

He kissed her, long and hard, and then in a throaty whisper he said, “You’re my adventure, Jilly. You’re what I need to feel alive.”