Free Passion in the Heart by Diane Thorne Page B

most of his green button-down—sexy as always.
    “Sorry I’m late. I was stuck in traffic,” he said as he walked toward her.
    Gwen stood and stared at him. She swallowed hard since didn’t know what to say. If she complained about the lack of a note or his missing clothes he might take offense.
    “I know what that’s like,” she said as he came to stand in front of her.
    He narrowed his gaze and took her face into his hands. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
    His soft voice made her heart leap and her eyes teary. “It’s nothing.” She lowered her head, but he gently nudged it back up.
    “Your eyes are red and your cheeks are damp. Something’s wrong.”
    “It’s stupid really. I didn’t see your car so I thought you’d left. And when I didn’t see your bag or clothes or shaving supplies…”
    He pressed his mouth to hers. “I’m so sorry.” He kissed her again, then each cheek. “I had to take a video conference call this afternoon and the Internet wasn’t working right. I took my laptop with me and thought I’d be home before you, but I had to make a stop at the store too. Anyway, before I left I tossed all my clothes in the laundry. My bag is in the laundry room. And I moved my razor to the bathroom in the hall. I kept making a mess in yours, so I thought I’d switch to the other room. I’ll still clean it, though.”
    A smile slowly formed on her face. “I guess I overreacted a bit.”
    He covered his mouth over hers and wrapped his arms around her. Warmth spread through her as she leaned against him and tenderly stroked his tongue. But the kiss didn’t last as long as she would’ve liked.
    He slackened his arms, but held them around her waist. “I would’ve told you if I had to go. More importantly, I would’ve begged you to come with me.”
    “Beg is a strong word.”
    “But accurate. I want you, Gwen. I want what we have now to last every night. You’re the only woman who has ever made me truly happy.”
    His words stunned her and she stared at him, speechless.
    He took a step back and gathered her hands into his. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and I have a plan that might work for us.”
    Adrenaline surged through her. She wanted to scream with joy. “What is it?”
    “You mentioned selling your house soon. Right?”
    She nodded.
    “I’d like for you to quit your job and list your house for sale. I’ll move in here and pay the mortgage and bills until the house is sold. Meanwhile, we look for a home of our own, wherever you’d like. And when I have to travel, you’ll come with me.”
    Thudding in her ears stemmed from her pounding heart. “Quit my job?”
    “I’ll pay bills. I’m sure I can afford them.” He grinned.
    “But, I won’t have any income.”
    “Well, I’m going to hire you as an assistant. I’m looking for two, actually. One to help me with the minor details of my company. The other, you, will help me branch out into another business. And keep me company every night. Are you interested?”
    Her head started spinning. “I need to sit down.”
    She backed up to the bed and sat. She was dizzy. She’d never thought he’d ask her to quit or work for him.
    He claimed one of her hands and knelt before her. “Gwen, I’m in love with you. There. I said it. But I know this is…sudden. It’s a big change for both of us. When I think about leaving you… I can’t do it again. I don’t want to. I couldn’t stop thinking about you after we parted in London. I wanted to contact you, but I didn’t know if you were interested in a relationship. I knew you valued your freedom, so I let work carry me away as it always does. Then, you contacted me. I wanted to hop on a plane that minute. I love you, Gwen. We can take this slow. We should take it slow. But in my heart, I know you’re the right woman for me.”
    Tears filled her eyes. A man had never swept her away like Phillip did. Her ex-husband had been a school friend, lover, and later he had become the