Page 146 of Stolen Moments

“I know.” I release her, giving us space as I wipe the tears from under her eyes. “I’ve lost your trust. But if you let me, I want a chance to earn that trust back. You say the word. If you want me to leave you alone and never speak to you again, I’ll do it. Even if it kills me. I will do whatever you want. Whatever you need, it’s yours. Just tell me and be honest. Do I have a shot? Do we have a shot?”

Searching my face, her hands clutch the lapels of my jacket as her voice cracks. “I—”

She bites her bottom lip, and fuck if I don’t want to suck it into my mouth instead. Last night’s kiss wasn’t nearly enough.

“There might be a chance,” she whimpers.

“‘Might be’ like ‘maybe someday’? Or ‘might be’ like ‘you’ll give me a chance at proving I can be the man you need, and we have a chance to turn this into forever’?” I hold my breath, waiting for her to answer.

“I must be crazy because it’s the latter.”

“You’re going to give me another chance?”

She nods, her sparkling brown orbs twinkling.

My breath whooshes out of me in relief. She’s giving me a chance.

I envelop her in my arms, squeezing her tight, afraid to let go only to find out I’ve been dreaming. “Say it again. Please.”

“There’s still a chance for us,” she signs, closing her eyes. “You hurt me, Mason. I don’t expect you to be perfect. We are going to have ups and downs, but you can’t run away and shut me out when things get hard. I can’t go through that again.”

“Never, baby doll. If I had handcuffs, I’d use them right now to prove I’m here to stay.”

She chuckles, and the fist clamped around my chest loosens. Her lingering hesitation burns, but all I need is an inch. I’m prepared to run miles for her.

Cupping her soft face in my palms like the precious treasure she is, I lean down, stopping an inch away from her mouth. “Before I kiss you, please tell me you are single and aren’t dating that guy out there. I need to know.”

“It didn’t stop you last night.”

“I know. But this is different. I stole that kiss. Now, I’m asking for all your kisses.”

A soft smile graces her lips. “No. I’m not dating Graham.”

I growl at the sound of his name on her tongue. Only my name should leave her mouth, or be screamed out in pleasure.

“Don’t be like that. He’s my friend. Things have changed since you left. I won’t apologize for that. You either accept it, or there is no us. I like having friends, people to talk to.”

“I’m your person,” I grunt. She’s right, even though I fucking hate it. “You have me.”

“We’ll see,” she says, careful not to let all her walls strip away at my promises.

She needs action, not just the pretty words. Which I plan on giving her, from now until forever.

“We will,” I vow. I won’t squander this chance. I know what we have is special. It’s the real deal, her and I. Which is why I say, “I will never stop you from having friends or doing something you wantto do. Whatever it is you want to do, count me in. You’re stuck with me now.”

“We’ll see,” she repeats, her mouth twitching as she fights a smile on those big red lips of hers. The tension in my muscles wanes at the playful lilt of her words.

“You can count on it, baby doll.” I lower my mouth to hers and plant a chaste kiss on her lips. My heart regulates, finally at ease, as I hold Emery in my arms. “Let’s get back to the party.”

I hold my hand out, and she easily places her hand in mine.

“Wait,” she shouts, stopping me from unlocking the door.

“What’s wrong? Did you change your mind?”Please don’t change your mind, baby.

“No. I really need to use the bathroom.” She hooks her thumb back at the stalls, and I can breathe again.

“Okay, I’ll wait.”

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