Yes, it would be very foolish indeed to read too much into what happened last night. For now, just being close would have to be enough.
Amy cuddled up next to Dan and let her eyelids drift shut.
Dan stared at Amy’s sleeping form. Last night had blown him away. Though it’d be easy to put what had happened between them down to just great sex, he knew what they’d shared went beyond the mere physical.
There had been a connection between him and Amy. When they’d touched, the trust they had in each other allowed for no reservations, no awkwardness. As the caresses had become more hurried, more desperate, a wealth of unexpected emotion had risen up in him.
Just looking at her now, so innocent, so vulnerable, made him want to pull her close and protect her. No one could take care of her the way he could. No one would be as good to her as he would. No one.
Amy stirred, murmuring something he couldn’t understand before snuggling into the pillow. A strand of hair lay curled against her cheek. Dan’s fingers itched to tuck it behind her ear. But he knew it wouldn’t stop there.
He’d already kept her up half the night and if he stayed in bed much longer, he’d end up waking her so they could make love again. He’d never experienced anyone like Amy before. And he wanted to experience her again. And again. But she looked so peaceful that he didn’t have the heart to disturb her. Casting one last regretful glance at his sleeping beauty, Dan retrieved his clothes from the floor and crept out of the room.
Dan normally kept his showers short, but this morning he found himself standing under the warm spray, trying to make sense of his tangled emotions. He lifted his chin and let the water beat against his face. He could no longer deny it. His feelings for Amy went beyond friendship. While he didn’t want to call what he was feeling love, he knew he cared deeply for her. Their lovemaking had made him realize just how empty and hollow his life would be without her in it.
It was time. Time to move forward. To make Amy a permanent part of his life. To formally ask her to marry him.
She wants your love, a tiny voice deep inside niggled. Amy deserves to be with a man who loves her.
Dan shoved the voice aside. Amy deserved to be with the man she loved. And all the signs last night said that was him.
His mind returned to the task at hand. Before he could propose he needed a ring. Dan thought for a moment.
Grandmother’s engagement ring.
His initial impulse was to discard the notion. But it lingered. Dan had never been quite sure why Gram had left the ring to him. At the time, Tess already had a square-cut diamond solitaire set in glittery platinum, a ring as hip and modern as Tess herself. His grandmother’s ring, with its ornate old-world charm and intricate scrollwork, would have been totally wrong for her.
But not for Amy.
Amy was a traditionalist whose jewelry and clothing reflected a kinder, gentler time. Dan’s lips curved upward. The diamond had been locked in the parlor safe for almost six years. It was time it saw the light of day.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, warming Amy’s face. She rolled over, her outstretched arms finding only an empty bed. Her eyes popped open.
Surely I didn’t imagine…
Amy sat up and the covers fell away. The cool air turned her bare skin to gooseflesh. She shivered and pulled the sheet up to her chin, a wry smile tipping her lips. No, last night hadn’t been no dream.
She had a sudden memory of looking into the mirror and seeing Dan’s naked back, muscles rippling as he moved over her. No, the kisses, the caresses, the unquenchable heat had been very real.
The evening had been a revelation. She’d always respected Dan. She’d always liked Dan. Last night she’d realized she loved Dan. Though it sounded goofy—and she’d never say it aloud—when they’d come together, Amy had felt as if she was finally whole.
“Amy?”
She lifted her gaze. The object of her affection stood in the doorway, his face freshly shaven with hair still slightly damp from the shower. He was also…fully clothed.
Disappointment coursed through Amy. It might be broad daylight. They may have just made love only a few hours earlier. But God help her, she wanted him naked and back in her bed.
“I wondered where you’d gone.” Her casual tone was at odds with her racing heart.
“There was something I needed to do,” he said with a slight smile. His gaze dropped to the sheet now wrapped tightly across her chest.
Amy’s nipples hardened. As his gaze lingered, every nerve ending inside her began to buzz. She was tempted to let the sheet drop and see if she could entice him out of those clothes. Somehow, without her quite realizing how it had happened, she’d somehow made the leap from shy prude to wanton woman.
“Mind if I sit down?” he asked in a sexy voice that slid through her like fine wine.
“Not at all.” Amy scooted over, letting the sheet drop ever so slightly.
His gaze didn’t leave her face.
Get a grip, she scolded herself. Last night was fun and games. Today, it’s business as usual.
“Have you thought about what you want for lunch?” Amy tucked the sheet firmly around her. “I’ve got leftover roast beef and some Swiss—”
Dan closed her lips with his finger. “We can deal with food later.”
His gaze grew thoughtful. “I’ve been thinking about last night. You just didn’t seem like yourself.”
Amy’s blood went cold. If this was about all her loud moans she was going to pull the pillow over her head and never come up for air. She’d never been vocal during sex before. But she hadn’t been able to help herself. Not when Dan possessed an uncanny knack for finding the most sensitive spots on her body.
“You seemed…distracted,” he added.
Distracted? Hardly. From the instant his hand had settled on her skin, he’d had her full attention. Her face must have reflected her surprise because Dan smiled.
“Before the back rub,” he clarified. “You’d been crying.”
Amy didn’t want to remember what had been on her mind before she’d lost herself in his touch. But it all came rushing back. Aunt Verna’s blunt comments. And the phone call.
She’d been excited, yet at the same time, worried. Worried Dan wouldn’t be flexible and that she’d be forced to make a choice she didn’t want to make.
While Dan had been supportive of Tess and her career, Tess had been his wife. She was just his employee. That’s why her neck had been tied in knots. And even now just thinking about the decision she faced brought the weight back to her shoulders.
“Philippe from Chez Gladines had called,” she said, then stopped. How much should she tell Dan? And was now really the best time? After all, she hadn’t had a chance to consider the offer and decide what it was she wanted to do.
Obviously misunderstanding the uncertainty in her eyes, Dan leaned forward and took her hand. “Bad news?”
“Unexpected.” Amy sighed. “Confusing.”
“They were foolish to let you go.” His fingers closed around hers. “I’m not going to make the same mistake.”
“I don’t think you understand.” Amy began, “They didn’t—”
“Because I know what a gem you are,” Dan continued as if Amy hadn’t spoken. “You’re a wonderful woman. Smart. Fun. Not to mention incredibly sexy.”
His eyes darkened. When he trailed a finger across the top of the sheet she forgot all about Philippe. When he cupped her chin and covered her mouth with his, she forgot everything but him. It was a gentle kiss, a sweet kiss, but Amy was in the mood for naughty, not nice. She grabbed Dan’s head and deepened the kiss.
He responded immediately and she reveled in the moist heat and slow, penetrating slide of his tongue. He stroked long and slow, hot and deep, and she kissed him back the same way. Intense and uninhibited.
Just like last night, the room dipped and swayed.
A purr of pleasure rumbled in her throat.
“I can’t get enough of y
ou,” he whispered against her hair when she pulled away.
Amy caressed her palm along his cheek, skimmed her thumb along his full bottom lip, her gaze riveted to his. “I feel the same way.”
“You have to know how much I care for you.” Dan’s voice grew husky. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
Amy’s heart pounded. When she spoke, her voice seemed to come from far away. “What are you saying, Dan?”
“Last night gave me hope,” he said. “Hope that you cared for me as more than just a friend.”
Amy noticed he’d said care, not love. But then, this was unchartered territory for both of them.
“I do care for you, Dan. Very much.” Amy tried not to read too much into his words but she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe…just maybe…her dream of happily-ever-after was sitting on the bed with her. “Surely you know I’m not the type of woman to sleep with a guy unless I…care for him.”
A look of relief crossed his face. “I was hoping that was the case.”
He shifted and reached into his pocket. When he pulled out a tiny velvet box and flipped it open, Amy gasped.
Without missing a beat, Dan slipped off the bed and dropped to one knee. “Amy Logan, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
The room spun wildly. For a second Amy wondered if this was just another one of her vivid daydreams.
She blinked once.
Dan was still there.
She blinked again.
He hadn’t moved.
Her heart stuttered at the hope mixed with a healthy dose of uncertainty in his eyes.
Amy hesitated for a moment, wondering what had brought about this unexpected proposal. Unless…their recent closeness had made him realize what her heart had known for so long.
She shifted her gaze to the antique diamond. Love welled up from deep in her heart and spilled past her lips. “Yes, oh, yes, I’ll marry you.”
Dan smiled broadly and slipped the ring on her finger.
It fit perfectly.
Like it had been made for me.
It was a sign, Amy decided, a sign that she and Dan were meant to be together forever.
She couldn’t take her eyes off the ring, her ring. She loved the way it sparkled in the light, loved the heavy filigreed work reminiscent of a bygone era. But most of all, she loved the man who’d given it to her.
“It was my grandmother’s,” he said hurriedly as if disturbed by her intense scrutiny. “If you don’t like it—”
“I love it.” Amy’s fingers curved inward, protecting the ring. “I’ll love it forever.”
I’ll love you forever.
His gaze searched hers. “You really mean that.”
Amy’s gaze dropped again to the stone then back to his face. Familiar. Known. Increasingly beloved. “Absolutely.”
“It looks beautiful on you,” he said. “You look beautiful.”
Amy resisted the urge to laugh out loud. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so happy. “This is a wonderful day.”
“You’re right.” Dan’s hand closed over hers. “I can’t wait to tell Emma the news.”
Amy giggled from sheer joy. “She’ll be an adorable flower girl.”
A look of surprise crossed Dan’s face. “You want a big wedding?”
Amy hesitated. Like most women, from the time she’d been a little girl, she’d just assumed she’d have a wedding with all the trimmings. But she’d picked up on the reservation in Dan’s tone and she wanted him to feel free to voice his preferences.
“I’m not sure,” Amy said. “I guess I never thought much about it.”
“Big or small, it’s up to you.” Dan brought her hand to his lips and nibbled on her fingers. “As long as it doesn’t take too long to plan. I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”
An overwhelming feeling of love washed over Amy. “I can’t wait for you to be my husband.”
Dan smiled. “Want to go out and celebrate?”
“I’d love to celebrate,” Amy said. “But we don’t need to go out.”
Her fingers reached for the buttons on his shirt. “We can do that just fine right here.”
Chapter Fifteen
Amy took a sip of wine and stared at her hand. The light in the Italian restaurant might not be the best but the stone still glittered nicely. She lifted her gaze to find Dan staring with an indulgent smile.
“You have the most beautiful eyes,” he said. “They sparkle when you look at the ring.”
Heat rose up Amy’s neck and she wasn’t sure how to respond. He probably thought she was being ridiculous, going all gaga over a diamond. But it wasn’t only the ring, it was the sentiment behind it that made her all soft and mushy inside.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” Dan reached across the table and took her hand. “I’m happy you’re so excited. I’m excited, too. We’re going to have a great marriage.”
The bustle of the popular eatery faded and Amy found herself drowning in the deep blue of Dan’s eyes. Of course they would have a great marriage. With love as its foundation…
Her thoughts stilled. When they’d made love, when he’d proposed, when they’d hopped into bed again to celebrate, not one “I love you” had crossed his lips. Amy knew that for a fact since she’d been waiting for him to seal their union with the words. Still, how could they have connected so profoundly in bed if love wasn’t at the foundation of their relationship?
“Penny for your thoughts.” His thumb caressed the top of her hand.
Guilt coursed through her. This was supposed to be a celebration and here she was ruining it by worrying about who was going to say those three little words first.
“Tell me,” Dan said.
Amy wasn’t about to demand he declare his feelings. But there was still some unfinished business to discuss.
“I was just thinking about my conversation with Philippe.”
When Amy had spoken with Philippe, she’d feared she’d have to choose between the job and her life with Dan and Emma. Now, she thought happily, she could have it all.
Dan released her hand and took a sip of wine. “Don’t give him a second thought. It’s his loss.”
“You don’t understand.” Amy couldn’t keep the note of pride from her voice. “Philippe offered me a full-time position. My desserts have been a big hit and he asked me to be in charge of all desserts.”
“Wow.” Dan raked a hand through his hair and sat back, appearing more stunned than pleased by the news. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How about ‘congratulations’?” Disappointment at his lack of enthusiasm made her voice sharper than she’d intended. “Philippe could have offered this position to a dozen other chefs.”
“I’m sorry. Congratulations.” His tone was sincere and apologetic and her anger eased. “I’m not surprised they want you. You’re a great chef.”
Amy’s heart warmed at the praise and she felt her irritation melt away. “Thank you, Dan.”
He forked a piece of ravioli and brought it to his mouth. “What did he say when you told him you couldn’t do it?”
Amy nearly choked on her orzo. She took a sip of water and straightened in her seat, taking a moment to compose herself before responding.
“You don’t want me to take it?” Disappointment ran thick and heavy through her voice. Right or wrong, not having him share in the joy took some of the luster off the offer.
“Are you really considering it?”
She ignored the shock and disbelief in his voice and nodded.
Dan’s eyes grew shuttered. “You need to do what’s best for you.”
“No.” Amy leaned forward and rested her forearms on the table. “This isn’t just about me anymore. When you get married, the other person’s happiness should be as important as your own. You assumed I wouldn’t take the job. I need to know what your reservations are.”
Dan wiped the corners of his mouth with the tip of his linen napkin, his express
ion still guarded. “Call me selfish but I like having you around. Since Emma is in school all day, I know you’ve had more free time. But after we’re married, I was hoping we could start working on giving Emma a couple of brothers or sisters—”
He stopped and Amy realized she must look as startled as she felt. “Unless you don’t want children. We’ve never discussed it but I know how much you like kids. I just assumed you’d want a baby or two…”
Amy’s breath caught in her throat. Dan wanted her to have his baby. Her hand moved to her flat belly. What would it be like, Amy wondered, to have Dan’s baby? Of course last night he’d taken precautions to ensure that wouldn’t happen, but she couldn’t imagine anything more wonderful than to have a child grow out of the love they shared.
He really did love her. A lump rose in Amy’s throat. Tears filled her eyes.
“Hey.” He grabbed her hand. “If you don’t want—”
“I’d love to have a baby.” Her voice trembled with emotion. “Actually, I want lots of babies. A whole houseful.”
“Good,” he said and she could hear the relief in his voice. “That’s settled.”
In her happy fog, it took a second for Amy to realize that not only had she agreed to have a baby, somehow she’d agreed to give up her career. A momentary pang hit her. Even if she got pregnant right away, it’d be almost a year until a baby came. During that time she could get some great experience at Chez Gladines. Not to mention contacts that could be invaluable if she chose to continue with her own catering business.
“Want to go home and make a baby tonight?” Dan’s deep voice broke through her fog.
Startled, she glanced up. The heat of his gaze burned her skin and set a fire smoldering deep inside.
“We’re not married yet,” Amy said. Getting pregnant would be another, even bigger commitment. Though at the moment, hopping into bed and making a baby was just what she wanted to do.
“Not a problem,” Dan said. “We can pick up our license tomorrow and get married the next. Unless,” he added, almost as an afterthought, “you want a big wedding?”
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