Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Shane lowered his head and asked her, "What kind of answer do you want from me? Yes or no-so you can decide if you want to be with me or not?"

Sandy didn't deny it.

They'd both grown up. Four whole years had gone by, the ups and downs rolling over and over between his stubbornness and her amnesia.

Now, it was time to face the future.

And right now, they had to deal with this awkward moment.

She drew in a quiet breath, eyes fixed on him. "There's a difference between just keeping a woman around, and actually caring about her. The first one, there's no real feelings there. The second-well, we did care about each other, once.

But honestly, I don't think you ever thought I was that important. Even after you found out I'd lost my memory, you said yourself you hesitated for months before going to confront Florence.

Why did you hesitate?

Maybe your grown-up self was weighing things. Did you still love me? Or were you just trying to help our daughter find her mom again?

I know I was never good enough for the Nelson family. If you really wanted me back, you'd have to risk everything-possibly even your stake in the company. Is someone like me really worth all that, Shane?"

clear, her beautiful eyes calm but piercing-and Shane immediately

really hadn't changed. Still

hesitated, back

Shane finally understood his own heart.

looked up at him, searching his face.

"Sandy, you're worth it.

for you, I just couldn't admit

myself I hated you, but

let go of you. Couldn't forget how things were between us. Couldn't forget how I looked forward to every

forget his first real crush? Even if

you. I

his forehead pressed against hers as he

tried to hold back tears, her voice barely a whisper, "Can... can I see

He

his phone, ready to

cue, the phone rang-and the ringtone

day! Did you two finally talk things