Worry filled her, and she wondered how she could best help him. Finally, she slipped off her towel and, with the scotch in one hand and the piece of paper in the other, walked over and kneeled in front of him, bowing her head, and waited.
A few moments passed before she felt him move. He placed his hand on her head. “Sorry I had to leave you like that.”
“I understand, Sir.”
“Really? Because I don’t.”
She raised her gaze, looking up at him. “She’s getting worse.”
“Yes.”
She showed him the piece of paper. “I don’t want to interfere but I did a bit of research and discovered a psychiatrist who has a very good reputation and should be able to help your mother.”
He was silent, just staring down at the piece of paper.
“Just thought it was an option.” She pulled her hand back, feeling chagrined. She’d overstepped her bounds. Idiot.
He whipped out his hand and grabbed her. “It’s a great idea. Thank you. Thank you for taking the time and for caring.”
She smiled at him. “I want to help you, Sir. To do whatever I can to make your life easier.” She held up the glass of scotch. “Here, I thought this might help as well.”
He took the glass and after having a sip, placed it on the bedside table before reaching down and pulling her onto his lap. “I don’t deserve you.”
Was he kidding? In her mind it was the other way around. She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, you do. I’m not much help, but I’ll do whatever you need me to.”
He tumbled backward, keeping his arms around her. “Just be here. With me.” He leaned up on one elbow and stared down at her. “Move in with me.”
Her breath caught, her heartbeat slowing. “What?” She couldn’t have heard him correctly, could she?
He ran his hand over her hair, staring down at her with such warmth she felt tears welling in her eyes. Did he really mean it?
“Move in with me. I want you close to me. I want you to live here. To take things to the next level. I love you, Lacey.”
The tears leaked down her cheeks.
He wiped them away, looking slightly alarmed. “Hey, what’s this?”
“Nothing.”
His gaze narrowed, and she knew she’d better speak quickly, knowing how he hated lies, even little ones.
“I’m just happy, I guess. I never really thought I’d find a man like you. One who is kind and protective and loving and sexy as hell. You’re everything I’ve dreamed of and you just said you love me. It’s like a fantasy come true.”
“Well, my fantasy is having the woman I love tell me she loves me back.”
Her eyes widened. “Of course, I love you too.” Whoops.
His smile was full of satisfaction. “And you’ll move in with me?”
Move in with him? She should probably take time to think it through, but she didn’t have to. Because it was everything she wanted. To be with him. To love him. To be his. “Yes.”
“This weekend.”
She grinned. “Pushy, aren’t you? I’m not going anywhere you know.”
“And I want to make certain of that. Call me whatever you want, but I want you under my roof, in my bed, every night.”