Catering to the Italian Playboy (20 page)

Max’s lips curved up tenderly. “I’d bet my hotels on it. Sophie, he must love you very much to come all the way from California to find you. You said yourself he didn’t look well. Don’t let pride stand in the way of family. Give him a call.”

“You really think I should?”

“Absolutely!”

“I think you may be right. It’s time to bury the past and start over. I’ll call him tomorrow.” Sophie bit her bottom lip. Hope flared in her heart. Maybe Max was right. Everyone deserved a second chance. Including her. “I just hope he can forgive me for being so horrible to him.”

“He will. He’s your father.” Max’s eyes softened, then took on a serious note. “I know I let you and Alex down. I never wanted to do that. I love you, Sophie. I want a life with you.” He touched his forehead to hers briefly. “Do you think you can give me a second chance too?”

Sophie blinked in bewilderment. “You love me?”

“More than you’ll ever know,” Max told her huskily. “Somehow, someway, I’ve fallen in love with you. I never even thought it was possible. I knew I cared about you, but love?” Max shook his head, as stunned still by the realization as she was. He took her face between his palms. “Sophie, I can’t live without you! I realized it when I thought I’d hurt you too much for you to ever forgive me. I want us to be a real family. You, me and Alex.” He brushed his lips over hers tenderly. “I want you to be my wife!”

* * *

His wife!

Sophie’s heart pummeled against her chest. Surely, she’d misunderstood. Max wasn’t the marrying kind. Why, he’d told her so himself. Several times.

“A–are you proposing?”

Max laughed, tenderness brimming in his gray eyes. “Yes, I believe I am. Will you marry me, Sophia Eleanor Westbrook?”

Now,
that
was a proposal! A huge step up from his earlier offer of
take it or leave it!

She’d definitely take it!

“Yes! Oh, yes! Max, I’ll marry you!” Sophia’s lips curved. “I love you, McSexy!”

A winged brow shot up. “McWhat?”

Sophia laughed as she kissed his face. “Never mind. It’s a nickname Felicity calls you. I just happen to agree with her, my sweet, wonderful, hot-blooded Italian.”

“Speaking of hot-blooded, what do you say we consummate our engagement with a little celebration of our own?” Max stood, held out his hand and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you,” he murmured, his breath feathering her mouth.

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Sophie smiled up at him. “I’ve missed you too!”

“Wait.” Max grinned. “I have just the thing for such a celebration.” He walked over to his suitcase, unzipped it and pulled out a bottle of his special wine. He held it up. “To second chances!”

“To second chances,” Sophie agreed, sidling up to him. She tilted her head coquettishly. “I’m thinking the bedroom might be a good place to start.”

Max’s deep laugh peppered the air. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward down the hall. “I’m thinking you might be right.”

His eyes twinkled with the promise of a fantastic future.

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamelia Tumlin has worked with several online publishers, but is now writing exclusively for Steel Magnolia Press. Juggling motherhood, teaching and writing is a challenge, but one she welcomes to pursue her passion.

Her romance novels range from sweet and sassy to dark and dangerous. Titles include:

Home Is Where the Heart Is
(Contemporary Category Romance)

A Time for Healing
(Christian Romance)

Her Royal Protégé
(Contemporary Romance Novella)

Blind Love
(Sweet Paranormal Romance Novella)

Seducing the Night
(Spicy Paranormal Romance Novella)

* * *

These books and more are available to purchase direct (and risk-free) from your favorite outlet(s). See the Steel Magnolia Press website at
www.steelmagnoliapress.com
.

* * *

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