She thinks some more. And when she speaks, her voice is hushed with surprise and gratitude. “I wouldn’t wish for anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, at this moment, I have everything I want. My mother’s happy; I love my work. And anything more I ever would’ve wished for…is right here in front of me.”

I swallow hard. Hearing that answer? That’s better than a whole sack full of sex toys.

Okay—maybe not the riding crop.

But it’s definitely close.

I frame her face with my hands and kiss her.

Life’s funny, you know? I mean, did you really think a year ago—when Kate and I were going at it, falling through my front door—that we’d ever end up here? At the time, I figured it would be just another one-nighter. Amazing—no question—but still just a fantastic scratch for my long-suffering itch.

And yet here I am.

Committed.

Monogamous.

Completely, disgustingly infatuated.

And I couldn’t be happier.

And this is just year one. Not to go all Notebook on you, but Kate and I have a hell of a lot more years ahead of us. A lifetime’s worth.

And I plan on making the most of every fucking one of them.