Lexi stilled. ‘Tell me.’
‘It was a month after my uncle’s death. He was in a bar, spouting off about his promotion because of his cost-saving strategy. A cost-saving strategy that meant he’d bought substandard equipment that had ended my uncle’s life.’ He swallowed and she knew how hard it was for him to talk about this. ‘I saw red. Hit him. And I didn’t stop. Four men had to pull me off him. If they hadn’t …’ He shuddered.
‘Leo, you were young, hurt. What you did was wrong, but I know that deep down you’re not a violent person.’
‘I nearly hit Tom Shepherd.’
‘But you didn’t.’
‘Because of you.’
‘No. You chose not to. Leo, you might have used your fists when you were younger, but—’ she took a chance and stepped forward, cupping his face in her hands ‘—I know that’s not who you are now.’
‘Lexi, I love you. Marry me.’
‘What? You don’t do commitment.’
‘That’s because I’ve never been in love before. But I’m not letting you go, moya milaya.’ His hands dug into her waist and his lips claimed hers in an elemental kiss that went on as long as time. Finally, when breathing once again became a necessity, he released her mouth and leant his forehead against hers. ‘I used to think that love was to be avoided at all costs. That it meant nothing but pain. Now I know that one day with you in it is worth a thousand without you. I’ve missed you, angel. Say you’ll marry me. Say you’ll make me the happiest man alive and Ty the happiest child by giving him ten siblings.’
Lexi felt so choked she almost couldn’t speak. ‘Ten!’
‘Okay, maybe I’m thinking of the practice more than the reality of ten kids, but at least two. Whatever you want. I will be yours to command for the rest of your life if you’ll have me.’
She smiled. ‘Really?’
‘Yes.’ The glint in his eye was devilish. ‘Of course you will have to wear a very short skirt when you do it.’
Lexi’s insides melted as she recalled their incredible lovemaking that night on his pool deck.
‘I think I can manage that,’ she murmured huskily.
‘For ever?’
‘It will take me that long to believe this is all true.’
‘Oh, its true, angel, and I’ve a mind to show you just how true right here on this desk.’
‘Only we’re in the childcare centre and that’s a really clean window,’ she pointed out.
‘I told you your standards were too exacting.’
‘No, they’re not. They’ve just been holding out for you.’
Leo groaned. ‘I adore you Lexi Somers.’
He kissed her fiercely. ‘And you haven’t said it yet.’ His voice had a rough quality that held a note of uncertainty.
Lexi stroked her hands over his chest and reached up to loop them around his neck. ‘I love you.’
‘And?’
‘And yes, of course I’ll marry you.’
A slow grin spread across his face. ‘That’s all I wanted to hear.’
‘You’re very easy to please.’ Lexi laughed, feeling wildly ecstatic at the realisation that the man of her dreams loved her as much as she loved him.
‘Actually, I’m not. No woman has ever come close to pleasing me the way you do. You’re the most beautiful woman I know—inside and out—and I still don’t think I deserve you.’