My heart catapulted into my ribs. She loved me, too? Warmth ignited in my chest, quickly spreading outward. I honestly hadn’t expected that.
“Originally, I didn’t want to leave until after Mom passed, but I’ve decided not to wait. We’ll just take day trips so we can get back here quickly if we need to.”
Annika’s smile grew. “You really are the perfect son. I know your mother is proud of you even if she doesn’t remember you.”
I stared into her gorgeous blue eyes. “Thank you for saying that.” I paused. “You love me back? Truly?”
She kissed me, then leaned back, smiling wide. “I love you back.Truly.Now stop talking and make love to me on this gorgeous boat.”
“Gladly.” I scooped her into my arms and carried her toward the master stateroom where the bed was bigger. “You might want to call your family and let them know you won’t be coming home tonight.”
“Oh, really? And why’s that?” she asked breathlessly as I lowered her onto the bed, her gaze centering on my mouth. “What are you planning on doing with me, you sexy beast?”
“All sorts of dirty things,” I promised, slanting my mouth over hers.
She giggled, melting into me, then sighed and kissed me back. “Oh, Adrik. I love you so much.”
My heart soared. How did I get so damn lucky?
I knew as long as I lived, Annika Popov would be the only woman for me. And I would spend the rest of my life showing her just how much she meant to me.
I may have made some mistakes in my life, I may have lost people I cared about, but in the end, every single thing I’d gone through had been worth it.
Because it had all brought me right to this moment.
And Annika.
# # #