told Herc goodnight.
But his eyes burned into her soul. He’d meant exactly what he’d said.
He caught her wrist with firm fingers and led her down the hallway to another bedroom and closed the door.
“I know you’re shocked to your core hearing those words from me, Sydney, but I don’t regret saying them.”
“You don’t know me, Dash. You have no idea about the baggage I’m carrying around.”
He captured her other wrist and gazed at her a long moment. “I don’t care what’s in your past, Syd. Whatever happened or didn’t. Whatever you struggled with or you’re hiding or you’ve tried to forget, it’s made you the strong, confident woman I see before me now. You don’t ever have to tell me anything that’s already occurred. We’re here, together, right here and now. The present—and our future—that’s what I’m interested in.”
“You don’t know me,” she pleaded.
“You’re wrong.” His thumbs slowly started moving in circles against the underside of her wrists, causing her to tighten as he if he’d entered her. Sydney couldn’t think when he touched her like this. When he touched her, period.
“I know you’re passionate and compassionate. That you’re loyal to your friends and they’re loyal back—which says a lot. You’re intelligent and funny and kind. Sydney, I’ll be thirty this summer. I’ve never been in love in all that time. I’ve never said those words to any woman. I don’t even think I believed love really existed. I haven’t trusted a woman since my mom left. I didn’t need her and I’ve never needed any woman since.” He smiled. “Then you showed up unexpectedly and turned my world upside down.”
No, he was making a mistake. She had to prove him wrong. “I think you’re connecting getting the role in No Regrets with me. You’re tying those two things together in your mind. You’re on a natural high landing the role of Paul. Yes, we seem to have crazy, off the charts chemistry, but that’s lust, Dash. Love is way different.”
His fingers tightened on her. “I’ll admit I’m wildly attracted to you. I can’t seem to get enough of you. You’re a remarkable person, Sydney. I’m drawn to all of you, not just the physical you. In my bones, I know it’s love. It’s what I feel for Herc—this fierce, protective wave of unexplainable emotion. I want to support you in whatever you do. Guard you from any pain or hurt. I’d like to spend every waking moment with you. Keep you safe.”
Dash paused. “And I know this is real because I want to be a better man for you. Be the man you deserve. Be the one I know I can be—if I’m with you.”
It was as if he’d punched her. Sydney couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t fathom how he’d fallen in love with her so quickly, so certainly.
Except for the fact that she felt the exact same way.
His hands slid up her arms and kneaded her shoulders. “I probably should’ve kept my mouth shut. Waited three months. Six months. A year. However long I thought it would take for you to feel comfortable hearing those words from me.” He shook his head. “It’s as if the blood racing through my veins sings your name. I had to tell you I love you. I want you to see I’m committed to you. And I don’t expect to hear it back anytime soon. Just know that’s how I feel. I’ll wait as long as it takes, Sydney. Even if it’s forever.”
Her eyes flooded with tears, so thick she couldn’t see him.
“It’s okay, babe. I know it’s a lot to take in. It is for me, too.” Dash dabbed at her eyes with the pads of his thumbs.
“I love you, too,” Sydney blurted out.
He grew still, then his warm palms encircled her neck and massaged it lightly. “For real?” he asked softly.
Sydney nodded. No words were needed. Dash enfolded her in an embrace and held her against him for a long time. Utter peace blanketed her. She closed her eyes and drifted away.
Finally, he released her. “I need to get you home.”
Disappointment flooded her. Her eyes must have revealed her feelings.
Dash said, “You have a lot to process, babe. It’s been a long day. Let me take you home.”
Instead of driving, Dash walked her home. They held hands as they slowly walked the few blocks to her dad’s place. Sydney knew Dash did so in order for them to spend more time together.
As they approached the porch, his hand tightened on hers.