Because You Love Me (Falling for You, Book Three) Read Online Free PDF

followed by a whispered syllable. "Hi."
    I shot to my feet, a wave of relief sending shock through my entire system. I caught my reflection in the television and my cheeks flushed. I'd become that dude. Wrapped up in someone. In fucking love. I wish I could say it was familiar, because then I'd have some sort of rule book, but I had no idea how to navigate this. The last time I was close was Jenna, and the way I was feeling right now, like everything would be okay, like a condemned man who just got a stay of execution, was a whole new, terrifying world. We hadn't even said more than one word to each other and I was already grinning like an idiot who could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
    I wiped the smile off my face, clearing my throat gruffly. "Thank you for taking my call."
    There was an awkward pause. "You're welcome, I guess."
    Business mode was my default mode when I felt unsteady. I wasn't so good at this romance stuff, but walking into a room and being the consummate professional that took charge and delivered was my talent. I couldn't 'business' my way into Penny's heart. I stopped trying to reach for something solid, hiding behind the armor of Xander Wade. If the past few hours had taught me anything it was that all the money, all the titles and prestige meant next to nothing if I didn't have Penny.
    "Let me just start off by saying that I-"
    "Can we get off the phone?"
    I nearly crushed my cell. "You answered the phone just to tell me you don't want to talk on the phone?"
    "No, I answered the phone because I wanted  you to tell security I'm not just some crazed stalker so I can come up and see you."
    I sputtered some words and she told me she'd see me in a few minutes. I stood frozen in place, my phone still pressed against my ear long after the call ended. The last time she'd been over I'd been obsessed about everything being perfect, nothing out of place since I was going to drop the bomb that I wanted more. That I wanted something real with her. Now I needed to prove to her that we still had something real. That betting on me, despite my ex turning up, despite the way we met, was worth the risk.
    Since everything was shut off except the nerves that had taken hostage of my limbs, her timid knock sounded like the police were at the door with a battering ram.
    I smoothed a hand through my hair, striding toward the door with more confidence than I felt. I pulled it open and fought the urge to scoop her into my arms. Her big eyes widened like she was surprised I was answering the door at all. Mine centered on the weariness all over her face. It was 2AM and she looked like she just wanted to collapse, but she had to get her shit in order first. She didn't wait for an invitation, breezing right past me. She had her hands stuffed in her jacket, in all black with her honey brown hair wild and free. Her eyes didn't know where to land, flitting across the countertops, the fridge, the light fixture, me, then scurrying to safer territory.
    She pulled her hands from her pockets, her eyes still on the floor. "The whole cab ride over here I rushed through all the things I wanted to say to you. Now that I'm here, I have no idea what to say to you."
    I knew I was being presumptuous, but I couldn't help myself. I moved closer to her and stroked her cheek. When she nuzzled my hand, I gently tipped her chin upward and waited for her fiery eyes to meet mine.
    "You're here. Coming here was the hardest part and that means more to me than I can express."
    Her eyes had a wild sheen of emotion as she placed her hand over mine, her shoulders relaxing. "To be honest, I kind of expected you to tell them to throw me out of here."
    "Because I'm such a heartless s.o.b?" I joked, unable to smooth the edge around my words.
    She didn't flinch. "Because I ran, instead of like, challenging Jenna to a duel."
    "A...duel?" I repeated, sure my ears were playing tricks on me, a smile cautiously tugging my lips.
    She nodded solemnly, but her eyes