He just said you were his.
“I’m yours?”
“You’re mine.” He watched her cautiously.
“You. . .did you seriously just claim me?”
“I did.”
“That’s really caveman. A bit like picking me up and hauling me around.”
He just shrugged.
“You can’t just claim me.”
“I did. Ari, I have feelings for you.” He looked slightly ill as he said that.
“And you don’t want to?”
“No! I mean, I hadn’t planned on it. I never planned on getting involved with someone again. Not after Jillian. But you. . .you’re very different than I thought you would be. Tried to tell myself to keep distance between us. It hasn’t worked. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“Oh,” she said quietly.
“Oh?”
She blushed. “I. .
.uh. . .I don’t really know how to do relationship stuff. I’m not always great with other people.”
“We’re a great match then.”
She bit her lip worriedly. “Did you really just quit your job because of me?”
“Just this job. If I’m not getting paid by JSI, then I can still stay and protect you. But I can also do things like this.” He cupped the back of her head and leaned in to kiss her. This kiss was far different from the kiss this morning. This time he was firmly in charge. She didn’t have to think or worry that she was doing something wrong because he completely dominated.
And she melted.
When he drew back, she realized she had her hands twisted in his T-shirt. She pulled them free, patting the material down. “Are you sure? You really want me?”
“Baby, wanted you since day I saw you. Was too damn pig-headed to admit it. Also didn’t think there was any chance you could want me.”
“Are you kidding?” she squeaked.
“I rarely joke.”
No, she guessed that was right.
“Um. . .I. . .what does all this mean? Does this mean I’m your girlfriend?”
There was a beat of silence. Idiot. Why did you ask him that? She was such a dork. Why did they have to put a label on it? She wished she was more experienced at this sort of thing.
“You want to call me your boyfriend, you can. I’m going to call you mine. Should warn you. There’s no half-measures with me. I’m all in. All the time. No doubt that will piss you off sometimes. I’m protective. I’m possessive. Stickler for following the rules. And don’t ever, ever lie to me. That’s really important.”
“I won’t,” she squeaked.
He leaned in. “There’s something between us, Arianna. Something I want more of. You feel the same?”
“Yes. Yes, I do.”