Dangerous Proposition (37 page)

“I guess, well, the reason I’m asking is because—”

A car sped down the road and screeched to a halt in front of her father’s house. It was a black sports car, which appeared to be a Maserati. It parked beside the curb.

Julia was surprised that anyone would park right in front of her dad’s house, especially someone driving such an expensive car. The neighbors certainly had a lot of nerve.

Looking at the driver as he stepped out of his vehicle, she froze. Wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket, she almost didn’t recognize him. But she would have known that million-dollar smile anywhere.

What in the world was
he
doing here? Julia turned, praying to God that Colin hadn’t seen her. She snatched up the rake she’d been using and hurried toward the side of the house. Pulling her hood over her head, she scraped frantically, picking up whatever remained, mostly dead grass and twigs.

“Colin.” Her father’s voice sounded behind her. “This is certainly a surprise.”

“I wanted to see how my best employee was doing,” Colin said in his deep, confident voice. “Though I suppose you’re no longer my employee, considering I’ve severed all ties to Project Gemstone. How are you making out?”

“Pretty well, I have to say. Considering what the alternative could have been.”

“Things definitely got out of hand, which, you should know I take full responsibility for. I made tremendous mistakes. A lot of people suffered because of them, and I intend to spend a great deal of time making up for that. I’m not exactly sure where to begin, but I swear, I’m going to find a way to make things right.”

“I’m doing just fine, Colin,” Tucker replied. “I’m a survivor, like you.”

“I’m very glad to hear it. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like very much to speak to your daughter.”

Julia clenched her teeth. Lifting the ends of her rake from the dirt, she started forward, making her way toward the backyard. Faintly, she heard her father tell Colin that she was on the side of the house.
Way to go, Dad.

Abandoning her weapon, she started for the back patio. A hand came against her back.

“I think you got them all,” Colin said as she turned around. His deep-blue eyes sparkled in the setting sun, making him look even more handsome than he had the first time she saw him.

Julia crossed her arms. “I don’t like to do things halfway.”

“I know.” His cocky grin widened.

Having realized that he had no intention of stating the obvious, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

His smile eased. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he paced the lawn, circling her as though he were a vulture. He said nothing. Thoroughly agitated after a moment, she cleared her throat suggestively.

“The other night,” he said, “at the diner. There’s something I should have told you.”

“And that would be…”

A warm smile formed on his face. “I love you.”

Julia’s heart fluttered in her chest. Had she heard him right? They were the most wonderful words she’d ever heard, but surely they must have been a dream. She did all she could to assure herself that she’d accidentally ingested a powerful narcotic when she was in the kitchen earlier. But she was finding the theory difficult to swallow.

She fought to maintain a somber expression. “Come again?”

“I love you,” he repeated.

“And just what exactly do you expect me to say to that?” She planted her hands on her hips.

“How about you love me, too?”

“I don’t—I don’t even know what to—” She caught her breath. It had to be a lie, had to be. But she couldn’t seem to stop herself from wondering. Had Colin felt this way for a long time, or was it something he’d decided only recently? Or more likely, did it mean nothing at all, and was he was only saying what he was because he felt guilty about everything he’d put her through?

“If you love me, why didn’t you say so the other night? Or when we were being held captive? Or during any one of the million other opportune moments you might have chosen to?”

He was silent a long moment. Then he looked into her eyes. “I was scared.”

“Scared?” Her jaw dropped. “You were the co-owner of a diamond smuggling operation. You saved three people from a murdering psychopath, and you expect me to believe you’re
scared
? I don’t even know where to begin with that, Colin. It isn’t true.”
It couldn’t be
…

“It’s as true as anything I’ve ever said in my life. Maybe more so. I’ve loved you since the first moment that I saw you, Julia. More specifically since the moment you stumbled your pretty little tuchus into my bed. You make me feel larger than life. And when I’m with you, I feel as though anything is possible. I was afraid if I told you how I felt, you’d have had me committed. Or worse, that it wouldn’t be real. That
you
wouldn’t be real.”

Tears formed in her eyes. Colin loved her. Had from the start. Maybe not as long as she had been in love with him, but for some time, certainly a lot longer than she had ever realized. It was everything she’d ever wanted to hear. But she knew she’d be a fool to trust it.

Did she care?

She smiled in spite of herself. “I don’t know what to say.”

“For starters, how about you love me, too.”

“Oh, Colin.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I love you, too. So much, but I—”

“No ‘buts,’ Julia. This is right. You and I belong together. I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. My world would be empty without you in it. You’re the one. And I know, in your heart, you know that I’m the one for you, too.” Reaching into his pocket, Colin took a velvet box. Her eyes widened when she realized what it was. She watched in astonishment as he got down on one knee, smiling up at her.

“I guess I’m just going to have to give you a little more incentive.” He winked. “Because, you see, there’s no way in hell I’m letting you get away. If I have to spend the rest of my life waiting, showing you how much I love you, then that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” He lifted the box, which held a very large diamond ring. The gem caught the glint of the sun as he turned it. “I love you, Julia Dyson. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Do me the great honor of being my wife. Will you marry me?”

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She waved her hands frantically, gesturing for him to stand. She threw her arms around him, and he caught her, running his fingers through her hair. Dipping her, he captured her mouth with his. She met his passion with a blazing, hot frenzy.

Breaking a kiss that had been way too short, Colin looked into her eyes. “So just for clarification…”

A charge shot up Julia’s spine as his nose brushed against hers. “I love you, Colin Westwood. More than I believed I could ever love anyone. You make me feel safe, and you make me feel free. And when we’re together, even when we’re arguing, I know there’s no place I’d rather be. Absolutely, yes. I will marry you.”

He lifted her off her feet. Spinning her, he drew her against him. He kissed her, rousing her senses, warming her body.

It was the most incredible kiss Colin had ever given her. That was, until a few moments later, when he looked into her eyes and kissed her again.

THE END

WWW.JESSICALAURYN.COM

A true romantic at heart, Jessica is most intrigued by dark heroes, who have many demons to conquer…but little trouble enticing female companions into their beds! She feels that the best romances out there are those where the hero is already seducing the heroine from that first point of contact.

Jessica loves to see the sparks fly when a stubborn, domineering hero crosses paths with a bold, feisty heroine and uses the combination frequently in her stories.

When she’s not writing, Jessica enjoys listening to as much 80s music as possible, watching the same reruns of
Smallville
over and over, shopping for exceptionally unique cameos, and taking long walks in nature where she can daydream about anything romantic. Though she resides in central New Jersey, her heart belongs to the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire.

Jessica loves to hear from readers! Visit her online at www.jessicalauryn.com and drop her a line via her contact page.

For all titles by Jessica Lauryn, please visit

www.bookstrand.com/jessica-lauryn

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