Chapter 40

"Okay." The word popped out before Lia could organize her thoughts. She was nervous and relieved at the same time. "I'll marry you."

Mike tugged her out of the chair, tunneled his fingers in her hair to anchor her head, and gave her a kiss that seared her down to her toes. He thrust his tongue into her mouth, sweeping it over every surface and tangling with hers. Only when they both ran out of breath did he finally lift his head and grin at her, hunger glittering in his eyes.

"You had to know I'd never let you get away."

"I hoped," she told him. "But you didn't bring it up."

"Like I said, I was afraid it would break the spell and you'd leave." He sprinkled kisses on both cheeks. "Let's eat and we can talk about the future, okay?"

In the end, it had been so easy, she laughed at herself for all the crazy thoughts she'd had. They'd gotten past the biggest hurdle. Her wolf. Everything else should be a piece of cake. Right?

"Graphic designer," Riley mused when she told him. "You work