someone who would hold me like you do and crave me like you do. Degan—”
“Mika.”
“No—I love you.” She shrugged. “I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, years from now, but I want to find out with you. I’ll find work in New York and we’ll make this work.”
Degan smiled and pulled her into his arms as best he could across the center console. He held onto her. It scared him to think he could open his eyes and it would all be a dream. Caressing her back, he lifted a hand to her neck, easing her as close to him as he could.
“I love you, Degan.” Her warm tears seeped through his shirt.
He lifted her head to look into her eyes. They were filled with tears. He kissed each eye lids. “You don’t need a job, Mika. But I know it will make you happy to have. I will support you. If you want to build an empire, wait tables, drive a bus—”
He trailed off when Mika laughed.
“Whatever you want to do. If it makes you happy, and makes you laugh like you’re doing now, so help me I will support it.”
“Thank you. Not many men in your status would appreciate their women waiting tables. Something about their egos or some bull like that.”
Degan chuckled. “My ego is worthless without you. I’m proud to be your man, Mika…”
* * * *
Mika nodded at him, stole one final kiss before taking a deep breath. She wiped her tears stained face and pushed her body from the front seat of the most comfortable seat she’d ever had the pleasure of sitting in. Stopping she reached in again and grabbed her purse from where it was on the floor. When she moved to grab her bags, Degan caught her by the arm and pulled her into his arms. He kissed the side of her head just below her ear.
“You don’t have to do that,” he whispered, licking her ear lobe. “That’s why I’m here.”
“But you have your bags.” Her breath caught in her throat.
“I only have the one. And because mine goes over my shoulder and yours have wheels, guess what? I can be all chivalrous.”
“Alright, I’ll let you be chivalrous. But while you check us in, I’ll get us something to drink. I’m thirsty.”
“I need your passport.”
“Sure,” Mika pulled the small book out and handed to him. With a final kiss, she extricated herself from his arms and hurried over to a nearby store. She had an overwhelming smile on her face that she couldn’t get rid of even if she tried. Making her way to the cooler, she hummed to herself. She hadn’t done that in years. Turning around, she watched him speak to the agent at the counter. The way he carried his body screamed masculinity. Mika licked her lips because of the raw sexuality she knew he had and the things he could make her feel. He glanced in her direction and she waved at him and turned her attention back to the cooler.
Browsing the items, she picked up two bottles of orange juice, grabbed some candy and a travelling bottle of mouth wash. After paying, she hurried back to Degan’s side. The two were ushered into the airport, past the lines and down a long corridor. He held her hand all the way as she clutched her purse to her side. Happiness tingled through her, pulsing down her spine. She giggled and snuggled even closer to him.
“Here you go, Mr. Moira.” The attendant handed him both their passports. “Enjoy your flight.”
“Thank you,” Degan replied. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”
Mika looked down at his outstretched hand. She couldn’t help the blissfulness charging through her. Inhaling, she thought about her situation. How many women, can say a man who loved them in high school still loved them years later? Especially after he found her, trying to be a showgirl and working in a diner with nothing but a small savings account to her name? How many women can say in their life times that they were so happy? Degan Moira was the perfect man for her—perhaps they needed the years apart to grow up so they wouldn’t mess it up later. Whatever the reason,
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