Tied Up, Tied Down (Rough Riders #4)(81)

“You found it? Where?”


“It’d been shoved in a pile of junk mail. I’ve gotta say, for the strong, silent type, you certainly have a way with sweet words.”


His cheeks heated. “You didn’t think it was dumb? Or corny?”


“It was beautiful. And hopeful. And perfect.”


Kade twirled a section of her hair around his palm as he composed his thoughts. “If you hadn’t found that letter, would you be here?”


“Yes. It wasn’t that I thought you were lying about writing it. It’s just the way I am, Kade. I’m the type of person who needs proof in order to believe.”


“Believe what?”


“Believe you were with me because you cared about me, and wanted me for me, not just because of Eliza.”


“I only told you that about a dozen times. You want more tangible proof that I love you?”


“No. That’s not what I meant.”


“Hang on.” In one quick movement he whipped off his T-shirt.

Her eyes narrowed on the square of white gauze on the left side of his chest. “What happened? How did you get hurt?”


“Self-inflicted. It’s not completely healed, so you can’t touch it yet.” He peeled the adhesive tape and lowered the protective gauze so she could see his brand new tattoo.

Skylar’s eyes widened, then pooled with tears. “Kade. You did that? For me?”


“Yep.”


“Why? You hate needles.”


“When you came to me the other night, and left your marks all over me, I knew they’d fade and I wanted to prove that you’re a permanent part of me.” He glanced at the puffy red skin, and the heart with Skylar scrolled in the center.

She squinted. “Is the outline of that heart supposed to look like…barbed wire?”


“Yeah. Your sister has a bizarre sense of humor.”


Tears splashed on his chest. Her mouth trembled.

“Baby, don’t cry.”


“But I don’t deserve you.”


“See, that’s the thing, you do. Believe you deserve me, because I finally believe I deserve you. All you have to do is look in my eyes to know the truth. I’ll always be your tangible proof.” Kade wiped her tears and curled his hand around her face, bringing their mouths together for a long kiss. He rested his forehead to hers. “Skylar. I love you.”


“Show me. Please. Show me now.”


“That I can do.” He braced his arms behind him as she lowered herself until they were joined completely. He kissed her as she rode him, slow and easy, sweetly. She freely and lovingly gave him all of herself, and she showed him tenderness he didn’t know he’d needed.

In one magnificent burst, the explosive physical pleasure they always brought to each other became the true intimacy they’d both been searching for because it came from love.

He flopped back, still inside her, taking her with him so she was sprawled across his chest.

Scarcely a heartbeat passed before she put her lips to his ear and demanded, “Marry me, Kade McKay.”


“About damn time you came to your senses, woman.”


“So, is that a yes?”


“Absolutely, it’s a yes.”


For the longest time, Kade was content to lay in the middle of the land he loved, with the woman he loved. He was content to just…be. To exist in the moment of perfect happiness and look forward to going home.