Read Online Waiting for Always by Ava Claire - Free Book Online Page B

we were apart, Melissa,” he explained tenderly. “I said 'no comment', but I should have said that I found the love of my life. That she's the best part of living because she loves me despite my faults. She challenges me, sees the better man that I never knew existed. And without her, I am utterly lost."
    I shook relentlessly, trying to keep the cork on the bottle. Trying to not become a sobbing mess right here and now. "D-Delilah-"
    "Is no longer my concern," he finished. He glanced at the doorway, a final person entering the room with a single rose. He thanked her and took the rose, moving toward me. I knew I was in trouble. This display? He was forgiven for every sin he committed now and ever would.
    Probably.
    I wiped the tears from my cheek as he held the rose out to me. "This rose is for our future, along with a promise that my love for you is everlasting."
    I sniffled along with everyone else, feeling so overwhelmed by love and hope that I could barely keep my feet on the ground. I leapt into his arms, the rest of the room melting away as our lips met. That kiss was the start of something magical. Even when we were apart, he never left me, and I never left him.
    When we caught our breath, nose to nose, searching each other's soul as my coworkers whooped and whistled, I realized that we had something greater than forever. I was his, and he was mine.
    Always.
    *

Epilogue
    Logan
    I plated the asparagus just so, the bright green stalks contrasting beautifully with the rich darkness of the filet mignon and purée. The candle flickered as I rushed to make sure everything was perfect.
    She was waiting in the car, blindfolded, and from the way she squirmed when I stroked her thigh, dripping wet.
    Tonight, I wanted all of her.
    Tonight, everything had to be perfect.
    I remembered the first time we came to this beach. She'd practically run away from me when she found out that I was the billionaire that broke Delilah James' heart. Things were already so intense with Melissa and I, even though we had only known each other for a number of days. I had loved her then, watching her look out at the ocean, struggling with her demons. I struggled with my own, and in that moment I let her in. It hadn't been easy, but we made it work.
    I moved through the sand toward the car where she waited for me. Months had passed since I went to Kaleidoscope and we started over again. The headlines grew more brutal, the board grew more restless.
    And then the truth broke out.
    Mackenzie went on the very show where Delilah had first shared her version of warped truth. She revealed that I wasn't the father of Delilah's baby. As quickly as they tried to ruin me, the photographers abandoned me in search for a juicier story.
    Then who is the baby's father?
    Mackenzie spoke of a Sacramento local, but I could care less. I could breathe again, love my woman, without photographers hounding our every move.
    I opened Melissa’s door, stroking her cheek when she jolted in my direction.  She clutched my hand excitedly. "I can smell the beach!"
    "But not just any beach," I grinned. I helped her to her feet and guided her to the sand. "Step out of your sandals."
    She obeyed, then gasped as the memory hit her. "But what if someone takes them?"
    I held her face in my hands. "Then I'll buy you another pair." I pressed my lips against hers, tasting her. Breathing her in. I reached around and untied the blindfold.
    Her cheeks were rosy in the amber glow of the lanterns that lined the street. "Candlelit dinner on the beach, eh?"
    "Among other things," I said, licking my lips. Still tasting her there. I felt the weight of the thing in my pocket. I had a whole plan. We were going to have dinner and a glass of wine. I was going to spread her out and have her for dessert, then I was going to pull her into my arms and ask her the most important question I'd ever ask. But I couldn't wait one more minute.
    "I have something to ask you."
    Melissa paused in the sand, whipping