Buckle Down (10 page)

Her mouth dropped open. “You what?”

He rolled over on top of her and grinned. “I love you. I
haven’t been so happy in a long time.”

“You just had sex and won a championship. That’s why you’re
happy.” She giggled.

He shook his head. “Nope. I was happy before that. I’d be
happy even if I hadn’t won today. Sex is great, but that’s not it either. It’s
you. You’re what’s been missing. Today was just a little icing on the cake.
Don’t go back to California. Stay here. With me.”

“Shane…”

“Don’t say no. You said yourself you could transfer and
finish school here. What do you say? Do you love me?”

“I do. I do love you.”

“Then don’t break my heart.”

“You’re being dramatic. But I could never break your heart.
It would hurt me more than it would hurt you. I’ll stay.”

****

Tess straightened her cap and smoothed her gown. Her hands
shook as she waited for her turn to walk across the stage and pick up her
diploma. She had spent her last semester at ASU to be close to Shane and this
was it, the end of school and the beginning of being a real grown-up. With a
degree in business management, she had a lot of options but now had no idea
where she wanted to work. Luke offered to supplement her income for another
year so she could take her time looking. She would probably take him up on that
offer.

After a busy dinner with her family and opening presents and
eating cake, she went back to Shane’s house where she just wanted to sleep.
He’d bought himself a nice house in the small subdivision where Cade and Olivia
lived.

She hadn’t officially moved in with him but spent most of
her time there and most of her clothes were in his closet.

Once inside, Shane put his keys on the counter and kissed
the back of her neck. “I’m so proud of you, Tess Reilly. When I make it big,
I’ll hire you to manage my business and me.”

She smiled lazily. “Thank you, and I’ll keep you in line.”

He opened a bottle of wine and poured each of them a glass.
He held his up. “Here’s to you.”

She clinked her glass to his. “And here’s to you.” She
sipped her wine and rolled her neck. “What a day.”

“I have something for you.” Shane smiled and reached in his
pocket and pulled out a small black box.

Her eyes widened. She wasn’t ready to get married.

He opened it to reveal a small platinum band with a row of
diamonds. “This is a promise ring for you. Five diamonds for my five promises.”
He slipped the ring on her left ring finger and touched the stones. “I promise
to make you happy. I promise to protect you. I promise to be faithful. I
promise to be honest. And I promise to love you.”

She fought back the tears and wrapped her arms around his
neck. “How did I get so lucky?”

“I could ask the same. You’re so much more than I deserve.”

“Thank you. I love you, Shane Wyatt. I promise that with all
my heart.”

The
End