Seated in the far corner of the small family run Mexican restaurant, I swiped a bead of whisky from my lower lip as I sat listening to the woman who'd become my world and every time she smiled was like a hand reaching inside my chest and softly squeezing.

Over the past four weeks and since I'd totally given up trying to fight my feelings for her—they'd grown exponentially and it was getting harder and harder to leave when I had to head back to Lockwood. And when I was there, I slept, worked and counted the hours till I could make the trip back here.

But it made me appreciate every single second of our time together because in these moments when I swam in her orbit, it caused a chemical storm and every fibre screamed out that I loved this woman. And the cherry on top—it didn't scare the ever loving crap out of me.

I just had to make sure I didn't fuck it up.

"Y'all should have seen their faces."

It animated her entire face as she chatted about Connor and Max. Two people I owed so much too, as without their help I might not be sitting here... not forgetting I would be forever indebted to Chris, and Danny and nana Em for saving me from my idiocy and almost letting this amazing woman vanish from my life.

Riley was genuinely happy as she covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stem her giggles. "Oops sorry." Her eyes skimmed the other tables close by.

I loved her loud giggles. "Don't be, I enjoy seeing you smile, hearing you laugh." Riley was never afraid to show who she was and just be herself, no matter where we were.

It was sexy as hell, to be honest.

There was nothing about Riley Jo that didn't turn me on. She was beyond gorgeous. Those tempting eyes, the long glossy hair, that luscious body and her mouth, sinful and yet soft.

The server interrupted, placing a tray with the bill. I glanced up, but his attention was on Riley.

Riley reached out, attempting to pull the tray to her. "This one's mine. My treat!"

I covered her hand with mine. "No." My mouth shaped into a stubborn flat line. It might be old-fashioned, but to me, it was my job to look after her. And I'd not done a great job of that until four weeks ago, when she agreed to allow me to earn her trust, her love.

And tonight it paid off. She'd said yes. She wanted us to move forward as a couple—together.

Next step. Give notice at Mercy Heights and I moved here permanently, and I hoped Riley would move in with me. Although we hadn't discussed that or anything past her agreeing to a future with me.

But I wanted it all.

Everything.

House. Marriage. Kids.

And I didn't care which order they came in. Although moving in was the easiest one to tackle first and I hadn't told her yet I'd signed a lease on a three-month property over on Staten Island.

I'd also not told anyone—not even Chris that I'd already bought a ring. Riley had told me how she loved Nana's Em's ring, so I visited Em and remarked on what a nice ring she wore.

Like that didn't sound weird as fuck.

But she happily showed me and I memorized every detail, allowing me to describe it to a jeweller whose wife had been a patient of mine. He'd done an amazing job, and I'd only made two subtle changes, as I wanted Riley's ring to be unique, just like her.

So now, I just needed the right time.

But first things first, I wanted to take her back to her apartment and peel her out of that delicious dress.

"Adam, y'alls pay for everything." She pursed her lips, tilting her head attempting to look annoyed but just came off looking so goddamn adorable.

Reaching for my wallet, I pulled out my card and handed it to the server, whose attention was annoyingly lingering on Riley. He'd better take his eyes off my girl if he expected a tip. I cleared my throat, and he shifted his beady eyes on me. He didn't even have the audacity to look disgraced about being caught.

But could I blame him? Hell no.

He held out the card reader, and I swiped my card with the beep sound telling me the transaction had gone through.

Riley was now pouting as I slid my card back into the wallet. "If you want to pay me back... then there is something I want."

I raised a brow, and a slow smile tugged at my mouth.

"And what might that be, doctor?"

And there she was with the doctor again...damn. My cock stiffened immediately, keen and willing, and I was thankful we were sitting down as I shifted in my chair.

Riley nibbled on her bottom lips teasingly and I was sure she did it on purpose... little minx.

Jesus, this woman was killing me.

"I think you know exactly what I mean."

She pressed her hand to her chest, her nipples hardened to mouthwatering peaks pushing at the thin material of her blue dress. I'd openly admit I'd been checking her out since we sat down. Who was I kidding, since I stepped from the cab. That dress clung to her liked it loved her.

Almost as much as I loved her.

I hadn't shared that with her yet. It felt more important to show her, as any damn fool could say the words, but actions—hell, they sealed the deal.

"I honestly don't know what you mean," she said with a hint of glee and a twinkle in those damn beautiful green eyes.

I leaned in, my lips brushed against her ear. "Your eyes don't lie Riley, and those sweet little nipples give you away baby...you know exactly what I want from you." I sucked her ear. "And you want it too."

She shivered, and I heard her gasp.

"The bills taken care of. Now let me take you back to your apartment and strip you out of that pretty dress and take care of you."

I planned on worshipping her with my mouth, hands and if she was ready—my cock.

We were back at her apartment in ten minutes, tops.

Coming out of the stairwell, we were grabbing at one another. I was practically ripping the buttons of her coat and she was doing the same to my shirt under my jacket. A deep growl rumbled up my throat as her hot little tongue licked up my neck as we stumbled toward her door without falling.

And when her small fingers moulded around my cock, I nearly blew my load.

Well, c'mon, it had been a while.

"Key," Riley mumbled as her lips left my throat.

She gasped and froze.

"Riley?"

Her eyes flared wide, and I turned to see what she was looking at.

Fuck!

Her door was open, the lock caved in.

"Stay here," I told her.

She didn't move as I slowly pushed open her door and made my way inside. I heard her stifle a whimper behind me.

Jesus. My heart stuttered and disbelief knocked me back a half-step. Someone had broken into her tiny apartment and trashed the place. My eyes darted left to right, assessing the damage. Whoever had done this had long gone.

"No. No. No." Riley brushed past me, her breaths heavy but unlike a moment ago, each one now held back her sobs.

I reached inside my pocket and yanked out my phone. "I'll call the cops."

She wasn't listening as she darted off, vanishing into a room off to the left.

"Riley." I followed hot on her heels to watch her sink to her knees and grab an empty box, which looked like a shoe box.

Crouching down bedside her. "Riley, baby?" I placed my hand on the base of her spine, rubbing in circles.

Riley turned to me with a well of tears threatening to over-spill. "It's all gone." Her lip trembled, and I wanted to murder the bastards who'd done this—hurt her.

"What's all gone, Riley?"

She sniffled. "I'd been saving." Holding up the box. "Here, in this."

"Saving?" Did she need something? She only had to ask, and I would buy her whatever she wanted.

"Money, hoping... for you."

Money for me? "Baby, I don't need money."

"No." She shook her head. The money wasn't to give you. I'd planned on gettin' sumthin I'd seen... something nice."

I ran my hand up, underneath her hair to stroke my thumb along the back of her neck, hoping to comfort her. "No, baby. I need nothing... only you, Riley. Nothing else."

She swiped away a tear.

"I have to call the cops. Come sit on the sofa... okay?"

She nodded, and I took her hand and helped her up. Pulling into my arms, I kissed her crown.

The next two hours were a blur as we dealt with the cops and I tracked down her landlord to find he was already dealing with another irritate tenant who'd also suffered the same devastating blow. He grumbled, promising to send up the locksmith as soon as he'd finished that job.

As the cops left and the locksmith handed over a new key, I closed the door and turned toward Riley. She hadn't moved from the sofa. She looked so small and sad holding a broken picture frame of her, Connor, Max and Maddy.

My heart ached for her, and all I wanted to do was pick her up and carry her away from here.

It hit me.

That's what needed to happen. It wasn't the way I'd wanted this to play out. But I would make it happen.

Riley remained on the sofa whilst I went through to her bedroom. Spotting what I needed on top of her wardrobe, I dragged the case down and placed it on her rumpled bed. I packed essentials, including a few items from her small bathroom. But if she needed anything else, I could take her shopping.

Case in hand, I walked back through to see her still sitting there. Planting the suitcase near the door, I moved to stand in front of her. "Up," Her head shot up, eyes puffy.

"C'mon, you're coming with me." it wasn't a request, my tone quite demanding.

"What—?"

"You're staying with me till we figure this out."

"But the mess?" She looked around, her hand gesturing wildly. "And figure what out?"

"We can come back tomorrow and tidy the mess, but you're not staying here, Riley. You can fight me on it. But it's not happening."

"But this is my—my home." She sucked in a sob and I bent down, removing the broken frame and placing it next to her, taking both her hands in mine and lifting from the sofa into my arms.

"No. Your home is with me, Riley. Just let me prove that."

She never replied, and I gentled her to the door.

Hailing us a cab, we rode in silence with her tucked in tight beside me. Pulling up to the house I'd rented, I paid the cab driver and retrieved her suitcase. Riley stood, head tilted up, looking at the house. "Where are we?"

I took her hand and led her up the steps. I popped her case down and rummaged for the keys. "Don't freak out, but I've kinda rented this house... for us."

"For us?"

"Yeah, but it's only temporary. If you agree to move in with me full time, then we can look for something together, something you will like."

Opening the door, she stepped inside, her eyes wide and her lips parted as she slowly surveyed her new surroundings. Closing the door, I heard her gasp, but hadn't expected her next words.

"This isn't a good idea, Adam,"

"What?" I spun her around, steadying her with my hands firmly on her hips. "Its fine if you don't like it. First thing tomorrow, I can call the agent and get him to find us something else."

"No, no. The house is lovely." Her eyes shimmered again.

Was she going to cry?

Shit.

"Don't be upset... talk to me, Riley."

She shook her head insistently. "Its—its me."

I didn't understand. "What do you mean?"

"I'm bad luck!" her voice rose. "Look at my track record, Adam. If I move in here, then I'll mess it up somehow." She bit back a sob. "Don't you see?" Her eyes dropped.

"Riley, that's not how I see you." I tilted her chin up, her face white and fear shone in her eyes. "To me, you're like the sun and I want to be in your warmth and light, always. You make me better. You." I cupped her face with one hand and kissed her, pouring all I could into the kiss, trying to show her how much she meant to me.

As our lips parted, I rested my forehead against hers. "Don't think or worry about anything. I'm gonna take care of you." Her chest expanded, sucking in air as I took her hand and led her toward and up the stairs. She didn't argue as I led us into the master bedroom and into the bathroom. "Wait," I instructed as I left for a moment to find some towels.

When I returned, she hadn't moved. I breezed past her and opened up the double shower door and flipped the leaver. Running my hand under the stream, it quickly heated.

Coming to stand in front of Riley, I pushed the jacket she wore from her shoulders, letting it drop. Dipping down, I eased her feet from her shoes. Rising, I tenderly undressed her, kissing softly her bare skin beneath her dress. It wasn't sexual. I just wanted to love her, to ease the tension that sat in her tight frame. Riley stayed quiet, but her eyes followed every movement. Kissing her forehead, I quickly stripped out of my clothes. Taking her hand, I led us into the shower. I held her tightly under the warm spray of water. Slowly, the tension she held hostage was let go, and she sighed. She didn't protest or voice any words as I washed away the stress of her day.

Finishing up, I pulled her from the shower and dried her just as thoroughly as I'd just washed her, carefully drying her hair. "Do you want something to wear in bed?"

She shook her head. "I'm going to check everything is locked up. There are new toothbrushes, everything you need."

I left her there and quickly checked over the house security, not caring that I was stark naked. Switching off the light, I returned to the bedroom to see her sat in bed, sheet pulled up. "Give me a second." I brushed my teeth and made my way back to her. She watched me turn down the covers and climb in. "Lie with me." She turned and lay facing away from me and I pressed up against her, wrapping my arm around her, holding her tight.

I stayed awake until her breathing evened out and I knew she'd finally fallen asleep.

"I love you, Riley," I whispered, inhaling her sweet scent and then I too lost myself to sleep.

Next morning, I woke to Riley's hair tickling my nose and the sun peeking around the edges of the heavy, drawn curtains. Riley was still tangled in my arms, our naked bodies pressed tightly together.

This was only the second full night we'd slept in the same bed together. Although I would have much preferred her to be here under better circumstances. But beggars couldn't be choosers and I was just happy she was here with me. Safe. Warm. Mine.

Easing my arms from under her, she wriggled, but didn't wake. I pressed a light kiss to the back of her head and climbed out of bed, and quietly made my way downstairs. Finding the kitchen, I searched the cupboards to find cups. Thankfully, the agent had stocked everything I'd requested as I prepared coffee.

Humming to myself, I didn't hear her footsteps, only her small hands slid over my waist and clasp her hands together and her cheek rested against my bare back.

"You snuck out on me."

I unclasped her hands and turned. Widening my stance, I pulled her closer, fitting her perfectly between my parted thighs, so she had to tilt her head for our eyes to meet. She looked so much better this morning. The colour had returned to her cheeks and her eyes were bright, curious.

"I texted Cynthia and let her know what happened and you will call her later."

Her mouth formed an O. "Thanks... but how comes you have her number?"

I dipped, kissing her nose. "I gave her mine to get hold of me in emergencies." I almost snorted. "She keeps sending me pics of you when you're not watching."

"She does what!?" her head jerked back.

"Hmm," I hummed. "Last one was a very nice shot of your ass bent over the filing cabinet." I winked. "That one's a keeper."

"I'll be havin' words with Cynthia."

She grinned and playfully slapped my chest.

"You okay?"

"As good as I can be, I guess." She shrugged, casting her eyes around the large kitchen. "When did you get this place?"

Quick change of subject. If she didn't want to talk about the break-in, then that was fine with me, for now.

"Only just signed the lease. But like I said, it's only temporary."

"It's beautiful Adam." Stepping out of my grasp, she placed her hand on her ships slowly circling. "It's huge! Must be costin' a small fortune," she blew out.

Money wasn't an issue. That was something else we needed to talk about. I returned my attention to the coffee. "Go look around. Tell me what you think."

"I always did like to explore when I was a kid." I twisted my head to see her shoulders lift and squeeze together to make my shirt she was wearing rise up. "Sure you don't mind?"

"Riley. I want this to be your home too—if you want that." My gaze fell, over her bare, smooth legs. I may have kept my sexual urges quiet last night, but seeing her stood in this kitchen wearing nothing but my shirt, well my libido was well and truly woke up. In truth, she made me so hard I wanted to say to hell with the coffee and lay her out of the table.

"What's through there?" She pointed toward the sunroom. I flicked my head. "Go find out." Whilst I calm myself... damn.

The coffee machine beeped, and I tried to focus on anything but the image of Riley naked, spread wide on the table.

"Adam, come see," I heard her call out. I followed the sound of her gasps and mutterings.

I found her dipping her toes into the pool.

"Like it?"

Her head lifted. "This place is amazing." I could feel her smile, like warm sunshine heating me from the inside out.

"Nothing stopping you from taking a swim... before breakfast."

"I don't s'pose you have bikinis lyin' around here?" And there's that look, teasing and playful. She plucked something from her wrists and then gathered her long mane of dark hair into a ponytail.

"Afraid not." I shrugged. "You could just swim as you are, I don't mind my shirt getting wet." And clinging to every inch of your delicious body. I bit back my smirk.

"I might just do that." She clicked her tongue. "Or I could just take it off..."

I swallowed. "That works too." I was rock hard again.

Her hand moved to the first button of my shirt. As each button popped, my eyes widened as she revealed more and more of her beautiful smooth skin for my eyes to devour. Peeling it open, she pushed it from her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.

Fucking gorgeous and I sucked in a breath and my eyes danced back up her body. Riley's eyes didn't leave mine as she descended into the water a step at a time. Even from here I could see a line of goose-bumps as she sucked in her own breath and held it.

Her nipples were hard and cold from the rising water. And damn it times like this I wished I could take a picture—she was nothing short of perfection. And the way the sun streamed through the glass and her skin absorbed it made her look like a goddess.