Losing Control - By Robyn Grady Page 0,65

told her, but she couldn't believe it.

"From this day forward, I intend to take on board and cherish life's biggest responsibility. To love and care for the woman I adore." One hand took hers. "Taryn, I can't sleep, can't eat, can barely think when you're not around. I need you in my life. As my partner. As my friend."

He slipped the ring on her finger then set that palm against the sandpaper rough of his jaw as his eyes searched hers and he waited for her response.

Taryn was drawn by the steam of his body, the determination of his will. Then she glanced back. Vi's gaze was upon her, her hands and bag clasped at her breasts while she obviously wished only the best for the grown woman who would always be her child. Behind her aunt, all those deliverymen were waiting, leaning on rails or against their vans. And a curious crowd had gathered, too, shoppers she'd watched pass by, the waitress who had taken her order. All were hanging out for her reply. Yes. Or no. Taryn swallowed deeply then slowly turned back.

She thought of her torment these past days then she thought of how bright and clear the future suddenly looked. As Cole's brow pinched a little and more of his heart shone in his eyes, she took a breath and confessed....

"I'm in love with you." Her sigh came out half sob, half laugh of sheer joy. "I can't believe this is happening."

He didn't waste a second. In a heartbeat, she was wrapped up in his arms and he was telling her, "This is only the start. Our beginning." He pulled away enough to see her face, the tears of joy running down her cheeks. "I was thinking maybe a ceremony at sea. But it's your call." He grinned. "You're in charge."

"With a honeymoon on Break Out?" Salty trails curled under her chin. Given all those flowers, she warned him, "I don't think there's any room on that boat left for us."

"I gave the florist explicit instructions to leave the bunk free."

"That's where we sleep?"

His mouth brushed and tickled her ear. "Besides other things."

Cole swept her up into his arms. With the marina filled with vocal cheering well-wishers, he carried her aboard. Standing on the deck with her still in the cradle of his arms, he told her, "There's a tradition for future newlyweds."

Running an adoring hand over the square of his jaw, she murmured, "Give me a hint."

"I'll give you more than that."

With a wicked smile, he lifted her higher and then his mouth claimed hers. She was aware of hoots and cheers going up from the pier. But she was more aware of the promise of the future in her fiance's kiss. Their life together would never be dull. Could never come second. All their tomorrows would only ever feel warm and safe and loved.
Epilogue
Later in Los Angeles...

Dex Hunter pushed aside his cheeseburger and fries to check out an alert on his phone. When he opened the text, he nearly choked on his food. Receiving a message to say expect a wedding invitation wasn't anything out of the ordinary, and he could've understood if this was news from his younger brother. Wynn had been seeing someone steadily for a couple of years now.

But if a woman had convinced Cole, the eldest, to walk down the aisle, she must be a special lady, indeed. Dex looked forward to meeting -

He flicked to the top of the message for a name.

Taryn Quinn.

And it looked as if the youngest of the Hunter clan - five-year-old Tate - was about to pay that visit, which meant finally making good on that promise to do Disneyland. Tate was expected in L.A. a week from today.

Dex's face fell and he spluttered on a mouthful of coffee.

One week!

He brought up his calendar, starting this Sunday. A premiere he couldn't miss, a couple of charity events, meetings with financial directors... Oh, joy. He'd just need to rearrange some things, was all. And hire a babysitter for Tate, Dex thought as he lifted his cup again. Didn't matter what she looked like, as long as she was maternal and tuned in to his little brother's whirlwind personality. Hell, she could be old and toothless for all he cared. Hairy and bowlegged, made no difference to him.

A thump on his back sent Dex's espresso splashing over the tablecloth. The dropped cup clattered into its saucer as Dex shook out his scorched wet hand and a concerned voice came from behind.

"Oh, no. Oh, God, are you all right?"

A waitress with luxurious hair, the color of polished mahogany and set in pigtails, skirted around to stand before him. Wearing white flats and a uniform that offered little justice to her obvious curves, she dragged a cloth from her apron's pouch and dabbed at his hand and his sleeve.

"Please don't tell anyone," she whispered, darting a nervous glance around. Her eyes were green, bright and fringed with naturally thick lashes. "I've already dropped a plate of tacos today."

Dex didn't fall back on his obvious and, in his case, warranted, line too often. However, now he couldn't help but ask.

"Have you ever considered a career in movies?"

She kept dabbing. "I couldn't act my way out of a paper bag. I didn't come to L.A. for that. Although I have put my name down at a couple of agencies."

Dex cocked a brow. So she was new to town? When she straightened, he took in her height, those cheekbones - that aura - and surmised. "Modeling."

"Nannying. I want to work with kids." She flashed a big white smile. "Children like me. I like them, too."

Smiling back, already making plans, Dex pulled out a business card. Someone was watching over him today. Clearly this union was meant to be.

* * * * *

Watch for Dex's story, the next in THE HUNTER PACT series, coming from Harlequin Desire in 2013!

Keep reading for an excerpt of Up Close and Personal by Maureen Child!

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