Drake Sisters 04 - Dangerous Tides

thought he'd choke on tears. He didn't know if the tears were for his past, finally shed, or tears for his future, but he turned his face away from her and started the Porsche.

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    "I can't talk about this, Libby," he said, keeping his face averted. "So don't start."

    Libby put her hand over his as he shifted. "You can't talk about loving me?"

    The little smile in her voice twisted that emotional knot in his gut tighter. "I mean it, Lib. I'm not going to be one of those mushy men women push around." He injected command into his voice, but he sounded raspy instead, not quite striking the right note.

    She burst out laughing, that soft sound that seemed to be music to his ears—and his body. "You mean you're never going to tell me you love me?"

    "I just did. I said it and that should be enough."

    "For the rest of my life?"

    "Well, how many times exactly is a man supposed to say it to a woman?"

    "In an entire lifetime? Or in a few years before they divorce because he never says it and she doesn't know?"

    His gaze narrowed as he flicked it over her. "There is not going to be a divorce and she should know if she's smart like you. Being nice isn't my forte, as much as I hate to admit Sam might be right in any way, but… I'm not about to screw this up."

    She hid a smile. "Well, I guess you're going to have to make the supreme sacrifice then, and say it at least three times a day. And there's going to be kisses involved."

    "Kisses I can handle. I'll be happy to make love to you three times a day, but why do we have to talk about it?" He shook his head. "We're going to do some negotiating on that one."

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    He pulled the car into Irene Madison's driveway and turned to look at her. "And you're going to marry me. None of this living together first to see if we're compatible. I'm not compatible with anyone, so there's no point in you trying to find that out. You're just going to have to make it permanent and find a way to cope."

    "Gee, honey, I'm overwhelmed with your sweet talk. You're sweeping me off my feet."

    "You're being sarcastic and I'm being serious. I want to get married as quickly as possible. I have a private plane somewhere." He looked around as if he might spot it out the window.

    "A plane?" she echoed faintly. "Somewhere?"

    "Yes, we could fly to Reno."

    "No, we couldn't. I have this enormous family, Ty. I'm not flying to Reno. You don't actually have a pilot's license, do you?"

    "Sure."

    "Get out of the car. We're not talking anymore." She pushed the door open and stepped out before he could stop her. What in the world was she thinking? Tyson Derrick was going to make her crazy.

    Tyson draped his arm possessively around her shoulders as they approached the house. Just before they got to the door, he pulled her to a stop. "Listen to me, Libby. I don't care what state we find this boy in.
    Don't risk your health or that of your sisters to ease him. Jonas is still in the hospital. All of you seem to be running on empty. If you start to feel overwhelmed and on the verge of doing something you shouldn't, give me a sign and I'll get us out of there."

    Libby scowled at him. "Don't think you're going to get all bossy on me. I don't go for the he-man type."

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    His sudden grin was almost boyish, the smile lighting his eyes. "Yes, you do. You just never admitted it to yourself before now. I'm very bossy."

    "So am I."

    "But I'm always right," he said smugly and knocked on the door. As the door began to open he put his mouth against her ear. "Because I’m brilliant ."

    He flicked his tongue over an ultrasensitive spot, sending chills down her spine. Libby lifted her shoulder and gave him a warning glare.

    "Libby. Tyson Derrick." Irene stepped back, her expression wary, ashamed, hopeful. "Please come in."

    Ty allowed his arm to slip off Libby's shoulder, but he ran his fingers down her arm until he captured her hand, tugging her close to his side. Irene didn't have her purse handy, but if she decided to bash Libby, he was ready.

    A small girlish giggle escaped from Libby. She leaned into him, her lips brushing his ear. "Stop looking so intimidating. The poor woman is terrified of you."

    "Good. You seem to incite people toward violence. I think looking intimidating might be