“I know I’m springing this on you . . . Hell, I don’t even have a ring. I’ve made a mess of this.” He tried to laugh away his embarrassment.
“Time,” Bailey said softly. “I need time, Mack.” She pulled her hands from his. “You hurt me. You broke my heart, and I don’t know if I can go through that again. You have to mean it, more than anything. You have to want me forever. If you got bored and just . . .” She didn’t dare finish the thought.
“Bells.” He reached for her, but she stepped back. If he touched her, she would lose her good sense and stay.
“I need to go. It’s late.” She started for the door, and her heart hammered as she heard his footsteps a second before she was spun around in his arms.
He cradled her close, his lips coming down on hers, but the kiss was infinitely tender, a s
