Page 111 of Steel Vengeance

It was because she wasn’t ready. The past few months had been insane, and she needed time to process everything, not least her feelings for Stitch, and how to move forward without him. A hot tear rolled down her cheek, something that happened more and more frequently these days.

What did you expect? she scolded herself. That he’d stick around? Move in? Live happily ever after? Yeah, right.

They’d had a passionate affair, but it was over now. He’d obviously moved on. His line of work meant he couldn’t stay in touch. He probably wasn’t even in the country anymore.

A familiar ache settled in her chest as she pulled on a black nightgown she’d once bought to impress Matthew, back when they were dating.

Funny enough, she’d never had the guts to wear it for him. Now it seemed like a fitting end to her love life—funereal.

Stitch was irreplaceable. No man could compare.

“I prefer you naked.”

She gasped and spun around. “Stitch!”

She hadn’t noticed him sitting quietly on the bed, his broad shoulders taking up half of it. He hadn’t changed—still rugged, still brawny, totally gorgeous.

He grinned. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

She stood frozen, her heart thudding in her chest. Part of her wanted to throw herself into his arms and never let go, but another part of her hesitated. It had been a month. A lot could change in a month.

Did he still feel the same way?

Maybe he was here to say goodbye.

“Why are you here?” she choked out.

“I said I’d come back, didn’t I?”

“Yes,” she said cautiously. “But it’s been a while.”

“Sorry. I got held up. Had to go back to the SEAL teams and finalize my discharge paperwork. It wasn’t handled right the first time. Pat insisted.”

She bit her lip. “So, you’re not going back? You’re not here to say goodbye?”

“Not yet.” He got to his feet, eyes gleaming.

Her heart pounded. Was this really happening?

When he reached her, he buried his face in her hair, murmuring, “I’ve been dreaming about this moment.”

“Really?” She shivered as he nuzzled her neck. Could this be real? Could he truly be here?

“Really.”

Without thinking, she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He laughed, catching her easily, holding her against his strong chest. She felt his heartbeat, strong and steady. Hers was firing like a machine gun.

“I missed you so much.” She buried her face in his neck. “I thought you weren’t coming back. That you’d forgotten about me.”

“How could I forget the woman I love?” he whispered into her ear.

“What?” She pulled back, her eyes wide. Had she just hallucinated, or had he just said he loved her?

“You heard me.” He kissed the side of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. “Don’t make me say it again.”

Stunned, she shook her head.