He leads me through the chaotic back yard, and past the gate that leads down to the beach. I follow, my head spinning—and my skin electric from his touch.

He’s sorry. He’s here.

Ash comes to a stop out where the dunes begin; golden and breezy in the crisp ocean air. Here, the construction noise is faded, and there’s nothing but the sound of crashing waves and my own heartbeat, like thunder in my chest.

He turns to face me, still holding on. “Can you forgive me?” he asks, cradling my hand between his. “Noelle, I know I screwed up. Please, tell me it’s not too late for us.”

The emotion is clear on his handsome face, but I’m still shell-shocked and confused.

“I don’t know,” I blurt. His face falls, but I keep a grip on his hands. “You really hurt me, Ash,” I explain, my pulse racing. “I trusted you, I opened up, and then you turn around and act like I meant nothing at all.”

“I know,” Ash swallows. His authoritative tone is gone now, leaving nothing but naked vulnerability. “I’m not good at this, at letting people in. I swore a long time ago I wouldn’t let my feelings get in the way of my career, and I stuck to it. Until you.”

My heart lifts, despite myself.

“You changed everything for me, Noelle.” He reaches to gently cradle my cheek in his hand, his dark eyes searching mine. “Everything. I was only fighting it so hard because I was scared, that if I let this be real, it would make me weaker somehow. That needing you made me less of a man.”

“Ash…” I don’t know what to say. He’s laying everything on the line now, and I know it can’t be easy. Ash has made an art of independence; never admitting any weakness, always being the one to carry the burden of responsibility alone.

And now he’s telling me he wants to change. To open up that strong, tender heart he protects so well, and share it.

With me.

The betrayal and frustration that’s been clawing tight ever since I discovered his plans finally melts away, leaving nothing but something pure, and sweet, and wild.

Something true.

I go up on my tiptoes, and in one smooth motion, I press my lips to his in a searching kiss.

He answers me with everything he has.

Ash’s arms come tight around me, cradling me safely against his muscular torso as his mouth claims mine, once and for all. He kisses me fervently, passionately, pouring every ounce of emotion, every last promise, into this moment, right here.

And it’s perfect.

Pleasure and pure joy radiate through my whole body. I hold on to him tightly, overwhelmed by the feelings crashing over me—and how right it feels to be back in his arms. This kiss could obliterate the sun, but I feel more alive than ever, his touch bringing me home.

This is why I couldn’t just ignore him. This is why even when I hated him, I couldn’t get him out of my mind. Because Ash doesn’t make me forget myself, he makes me feel more me. Like right here in his arms is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I feel bolder, braver, more self-assured. I could do anything with him beside me.

And I never want to let him go.

At last, we come up for air. I cling to him, giddy, smiling ear to ear.

“Is that a ‘yes’?” Ash asks, his voice low and ragged.

I kiss him again. “What do you think?”

“I need to hear you say it.” His eyes search mine. “I need to know we can move on, that you won’t hold it against me, and drag it up every time we fight.”

“You’re planning on fighting some more with me?” I ask, teasing, as I slide my hands over his chest. “That’s a great start to our relationship.”

Ash chuckles. “Damn right I am.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, still gripping me tightly in his arms. “I plan on fighting with you, and laughing with you, and loving you for the rest of my life.”

His eyes catch mine, blazing with certainty—and the kind of determination that lasts a lifetime.

Wow.

I forget how to breathe for a moment, overcome with the promise he’s making—and what an incredible future it would be.

Will be.

“OK,” I agree breathlessly.

Ash breaks into a massive smile, full of such happiness that it melts me all over again. God, I want to see this man smile forever.

“OK to which part?” he asks, cradling my face in his hands. “Just to be clear now.”

“You sound like you’re drawing up a contract,” I giggle.

“Maybe we should,” he laughs. “We, the undersigned, do solemnly swear to always forgive each other when we screw up, and make out at every moment possible.”

“And do the dishes when it’s your turn,” I add.

“And never leave angry,” he adds, a tender look crossing his face.

“Never leave at all,” I correct him.

“I can live with that.” Ash grins. There’s a crashing sound from the house, he winces. “We better check they’re not tearing out a wall you need.”

“I do need walls,” I agree, as we turn to stroll back towards the house. “But what about you?” I ask. “Where are you going to live, I mean? Your work is in New York.”

“My company can run fine with me at a distance,” he says, sliding an arm around my shoulder. “I can visit every month. You’ll want to see your family, won’t you? And besides, I have to figure out what to do with all this land.”