Brianna swallowed, unsure.

“Don’t you see, I could easily have fled last night after you fell asleep. But I wanted to be here when you woke up, to prove how much I love you, that there is nowhere else I’d rather be and no one else I’d rather be with.”

The emotions in his eyes spoke volumes. He touched her, and she could feel his love reaching out to her, seeping under her skin.

He sidled closer and planted a warm kiss on her mouth. Good Lord, no man could kiss like that without feeling a deeper emotional connection.

“You’re serious,” she said, her eyes opening wide. “Ohmygod, you’re serious.”

He chuckled. “I’ve never been more serious in my life. Human or feline form,” he added with a grin. “You’ve opened my eyes to what’s important in this world, sweetheart.”

Her heart leapt with joy, and suddenly it occurred to her that with Xander, she could have the relationship she’d always wanted but never thought she could have. One where she could be herself, even if her temper got the better of her. Xander knew what she was. No longer would she have to worry about hiding her identity for fear a man, a man who got her panties in a twist, that is, would discover her magic.

He gathered her into his arms. Gaze riveted, he said, “You’ve spent the last year taking care of me, catering to my every whim, my every need. Now it’s my turn to take care of you.”

Brianna nodded, unable to find her voice to reply.

Xander lightened the mood. “Loved the belly rubs by the way.” He winked. “Just not the baths.”

She grinned and ran her nails over his stomach, tickling him. Xander purred, then his gorgeous green eyes turned serious.

“Now it’s my turn to take care of you,” he said, his voice full of hope. “If you’ll let me.”

Teasing, Brianna rolled one shoulder. “Well if you insist,” she said breezily. Her thoughts wandered to the forbidden love spell that had started this amazing chain of events. She furrowed her brow in worry. Xander must have read her unease.