The Stopover (The Miles High Club 1)

“I broke it off with her.”

My eyes widen in horror. “What the hell?” I snap. “You were still with her?”

“No, but we had promised each other that we wouldn’t date anyone else seriously.”

I begin to break into a cold sweat as I try to hold it together. “Why?”

“Because we planned on getting back together in a few years.”

I knew it; I knew it back then that something was off. Damn it, why didn’t I see the writing on the wall? I pick up my wineglass and drain it as I stare at him. Jeez, this is news. Bad news.

“I told her I have strong feelings for you.”

“You did?” I frown as a tiny piece of hope blooms in my chest.

He smiles and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “I did.”

“What else did you say?” I ask calmly. I want to blurt out a million questions about the two of them.

“That it was over between us.”

“Did you love her?”

“Yes.” He pauses for a moment as if contemplating that statement. “In my own way, I did. In hindsight, I realize that our relationship was never normal. Not like ours is anyway.”

I stare at him, lost for words. Grateful that he’s finally being honest and yet terrified that their union was so strong that it withstood an open relationship. There’s no way in hell I could ever do that. “You think our relationship is normal?” I ask.

He smiles and leans in and kisses me softly. “Don’t you?”

“No. To me our relationship is exciting and wonderful and exotic.” I stare at him. “Normal gets boring very quick, Jameson.”

“I told her that I want to build a future with you.”

Okay, that sounds a bit better. I smirk as I try to hold in a smile.

“I also told her that I’ve had feelings for you since the day we met and that you are the only woman I want to be with from here on in.”

A broad, goofy smile does break through this time. “Did you tell her I had motorized sneakers?” I whisper.

He chuckles, and his eyes twinkle with something special as he cups my face in his hand. “I did.”

“What does this mean, Jay?” My eyes search his. “For us.”

“It means that I’m all yours.” He shrugs. “If you want me.”

What? All mine?

I blink . . . in shock. “Have you been holding yourself back from me all this time?”

“I have, and I can’t do it any longer.”

“What does this mean . . . for us?”

“It means I want you to move in, and we go full steam ahead from here.”

“What’s the rush?” I frown. “Can’t we ease into it?”

He leans in and kisses me softly; his big blue eyes hold mine. “I don’t do things in halves, Emily.”