Possessed by Passion (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 9)

The blood drained out of him. “Sweetheart, please don’t.”

“It’s a great opportunity. They have a brand new hospital there. I’ve spoken a couple of times with Dr. Champion, who is the chief of staff. He seems like a wonderful man.”

Mick realized he was about to lose the woman of his dreams forever if he didn’t do something drastic. Had Dustin been right all along that Paris had been in a relationship while living in Nevada? Was Champion that man? What could he do? He’d played it safe for so long, praying for his brother to change and for Paris to open up about what occurred while she was gone from Destiny. Neither had happened. Instead, things had only gotten worse. “You know how much I love you.”

“Of course I do. And I love you, but it’s not enough. We’ve been through this a thousand times, Mick. I want a home and family. You’ve been hanging on just like me, waiting for Dustin to change. He’s not going to. I’m not the woman for you and him obviously.”

“You are the woman for me, baby.”

“Don’t, Mick.” She closed her eyes and folded her hands together. “This is hard enough as it is.”

Though it would certainly kill him, he had to choose a life with Paris, even if that meant he wouldn’t be sharing her with Dustin. He’d never dreamed it would come to this, but clearly it had.

Time to make the most difficult choice of my life. I’ve got to talk to Dustin first.

“Look at me, baby.”

She opened her eyes and he saw they were welling up with tears.

“I love my brother, but you’re right. It’s been too long. Far too long. I’m done waiting.”

“Mick, you can’t mean what I think you mean.”

“Yes, I do, but I won’t say it aloud until I talk to Dustin first.” God, how did it come to this? “He’s my brother. I owe him that much.”

“That’s imposs—”

He placed his finger on her lush lips. “Just think about it. I don’t want to lose you. I know this wasn’t our dream, but we should not have to suffer because of Dustin. I want a home and children, too, Paris.”

“Don’t say it, Mick. Don’t.”

“I’m not going to say anything until I discuss this with Dustin first. He deserves to know my intentions before I ask you officially, before I get down on my knee and say the words out loud.”

“Mick, I love you so much, but you just can’t ask me.”

“I can and I will, sweetheart—after I talk to Dustin. I’v

e made up my mind.”

“How can we do that to him?”

“Neither of us wanted it to be like this, but he’s given us no choice. I won’t lose you. I won’t. You want commitment. So do I. It’s time we both had a chance at happiness.”

Chapter Five

Paris closed her front door and looked out the window as Mick returned to his car. Their quick lunch had turned into a full afternoon of talking. One thing for certain about Mick was that whenever he made up his mind to do something, nothing or no one could ever stop him. It was one of the many things she loved about him.

Taking deep breaths, she walked over to her kitchen table and sat down. By the time they’d finally made it back to the clinic, her shift had been over, so Mick had brought her home. At least now she didn’t have to be there when he confronted Dustin.

God, what a mess we’re all in. All because of me.

Ten years ago, she would’ve been on the ceiling with excitement to get his proposal. But not just his. His and Dustin’s. That was her dream. To marry them both.

She needed a way out of this catastrophe. It had been a mistake to tell Mick about the job offer in Nevada, though she hadn’t told him it was to join the surgical staff. That would’ve opened up another can of worms.

Him giving up on Dustin and bent on marrying her alone was because she’d opened her mouth when she should’ve kept it shut. She’d seen the turmoil of his decision on his face. This wasn’t what he really wanted. This was what he thought he must do. A consolation prize at best.

He was wrong about everything. She didn’t deserve such a wonderful man like Mick.