Page 177 of Double Fault

She’s real.

She’s here and she’s real and she’s close enough to touch.

“Jessica and I talked a lot about online teaching. I’d still plan lessons and teach. I just wouldn’t be in a classroom.”

“So?” I prompt.

“So,” she teases, her tone full of sass. “I’m searching for a job like that. I’d rather teach virtually and travel with you guys. I’m not happy without you and Maddie.”

My heart thuds heavily in my chest. “You’re not?”

I guess I’m a little surprised to discover that she might enjoy our company as much as we do hers.

“No, I’m not.” She cups my cheek. “The two of you are my home.”

Fuck.

I close my eyes, trying to keep my emotions at bay. Blinking them open slowly, I ask, “We are?”

“Yeah, and I hope I’m yours.”

I press my forehead to hers and bury a hand in the hair at her nape. Fuck, I need to feel more of her. “You are, beautiful girl. You definitely are.” I steady myself, then cup her cheeks, gliding my thumb over her lips. “God, I’ve fucking missed you. You have no idea.”

Now that she’s back, there’s no denying the ache in my chest that’s lingered since she left.

She sniffles slightly. “I’m sorry I didn’t call as much as I said I would. It was too hard.”

“You’re here now.” I swipe at an errant tear, my throat tightening. “That’s all that matters.”

“I wanted to wait until I secured a position before I told you, but then you got hurt and…” She tightens her grip on my shirt, her bottom teeth digging into her lip. “I couldn’t wait.”

“I love you,” I whisper, ghosting my lips over hers. “This is better than any fucking medal I could’ve won.”

She lets out a watery laugh. “Really?”

“Fuck, yeah.”

Finally, I press my lips to hers in earnest, and she stretches up on her tiptoes, clinging to me with her arms around my neck.

“I’m never letting you go again.” I peck another kiss to her lips. “I thought I was doing the right thing, telling you to go, but I’ve hated every minute without you.”

“Good.” She holds my gaze, her dark irises swimming with sincerity. “Because I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

I hold her tight against me, burying my face in her neck and inhaling her scent.

“Don’t get hurt again.” She pulls back and narrows her eyes. “I mean it. I was scared to death.”

“I’m okay.” I grasp her elbows and give them a reassuring squeeze. I can’t stop touching her. Like if I let go, she might disappear. Like maybe this is all a dream. “It’ll take a few weeks to fully heal, but it’s nothing serious.”

“I don’t care.” She shakes her head, sending her curls flying. “Don’t do that again.”

Heart flipping at her concern for me, I tangle my fingers in her hair. “I’ll do my best, but you know I can’t make promises like that.”

“You’re right.” She worries her lip between her teeth. “But from now on, we’re together, okay? For real.”

I grin, brushing my fingers lightly over her left cheek. “Are you asking me to be your boyfriend, Curls?”

She rolls her eyes and I swear she has to resist the urge to shove me. “It’s not likeyouasked me to be your girlfriend.”

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