First You Run (26 page)

Not quite yet. “Pretty smooth move, don’t you think, the note in the book?”

She stood on her toes and kissed him lightly. “Very smooth.”

He backed away. “Miranda, do you remember what Taliña said? That I wanted to steal your soul?”

She nodded, tunneling her fingers into his hair and caressing his neck. “No one can steal another person’s soul, Adrien.”

“I know.” He cupped her chin in his hand and lifted her face. “But I wouldn’t mind having a pass at your heart.”

“Aww.” A slow smile lit her face. “You’ve had that for a while now.”

“Excellent.” He took a moment to enjoy the sensation of being loved by this strong, smart, beautiful woman. And to build to his grand finale. “Because I’d like to keep it. For a long time.”

She nibbled at his jaw line. “Mmm. Good. Kiss me?”

But he didn’t. “Turn the note over.”

She finally did, taking in a tiny breath as she read what he’d written.

“There are two more common words for you to decipher, Dr. Lang.”

She was very still. His heart pounded, and he could feel hers beating in the same rapid rhythm. Was that a yes?

She finally looked up, her eyes filled with tears and love. “No question mark, I see.”

“It’s not actually a question, luv. It’s a rash suggestion for how we spend the rest of our days on this earth.” He waited a beat. “Unless, of course, the idea terrifies you.”

“Nothing terrifies me.” She laid her head on his shoulder. “Except maybe life without you.”

“No worries, then. I’m in it until the end of time.” He tipped her chin. “Which I happen to have on good authority is
not
in the near future.”

“Right,” she said in a perfect strine accent, then winked.
“Now
will you finally kiss me?”

He did, long and tender, tasting the sweet mouth that he loved. He closed his eyes and waited for the warning, that menacing, nasty hiss…
this is a mistake
.

But that little bunyip in his head was stone-cold silent. In fact, the monster seemed to have disappeared for good.