Judging Joey (21 page)

He stroked her hand. “Maddie, you have good things in your life. You have your uncle, and now Laura. Sabrina, Rusty . . .”

“A great job . . .”

“And me.”

Madeline searched his eyes. “Do you mean that?”

“You never lost me.”

Madeline tossed the pillow aside. “Truly?”

“I was just waiting, giving you the space you wanted, for you to come back to me. I knew you had to find your own way.”

“Oh, Joey.” She leaned in.

He captured her in his arms and the light from the fireplace danced and reflected back at her in his eyes. Cupping the back of her neck, he reached down and brought his lips to hers. At first he pressed lightly, she assumed because he was waiting to see if she wanted him as much as he did her. When she slid her arms around his back to pull him closer, he took the signal and kissed her more deeply. Her body trembled, and as he grabbed her tighter, his hands ran through the length of her hair.

Her lips parted and she tasted the sweetness of the cola he had been drinking. Joey brought her in closer and they continued the long and passionate kiss. The kiss was better than she had ever imagined it would be with him and she didn’t want it to end. She allowed herself to get lost in her own happiness feeling safe in his arms. He trailed kisses down her neck.

“So how much do you like Max?”

“I think she’s great. I wish she was mine,” he said, whispering into her ear before kissing her there.

“She is.”

“What do you mean?” He shifted away slightly and gazed into her eyes.

Madeline quickly filled him in on her plans to buy the house and her search for a roommate to cover the costs. “I want you to think of Max as your dog. I know you’re not allowed pets so she’ll just live here with me.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say!”

“It’s my way of thanking you for all that you did for my job and exposing the truth about Vanessa. Also, I was hoping you’d want to be in my life. My new life filled with positive possibilities.”

“You didn’t need to bribe me with Max. I’d love to be in your life.” He cupped her chin and looked her straight in the eyes. “I love you, Maddie.”

“I love you, too,” she whispered, hardly believing she just said the words. “I’m sorry it took me so long to realize I originally judged you wrong. You’re a good man, Joey O’Neill.”

“So I hear you’re looking for a roommate?” He suddenly got down on one knee. “Would you consider me? As your husband, that is, not a roommate? Forget the other roommates. We could buy this house and start a new life together as a married couple with our dogs, Rusty and Max. Some might think we’re moving too fast, but as my father says when you know, you know. You’re the one for me, Maddie.”

She nodded, barely able to speak.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He secured her into his arms and kissed her deeply. After several moments passed, he said, “Now let’s go pick up our new dog.”