Page 118 of Most Likely to Fear Love

Well, that’s one way to make a man blush. I shrugged again. “Not really. I just got lucky. And I wanted you to know all there was to know about me. Now you do.”

“I think that’s enough reading for now.” She climbed into my lap, straddling me as she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and pressed her forehead to mine. “I love you. I will love you for the rest of my days.”

“I love you, too, darlin’. I promise that you’ll never regret taking a chance on me.”

With a sigh, she buried her face in my neck and just held me. We sat there for a moment, breathing each other in. The feel of her body against mine was so achingly familiar and yet brand new. Everything was absolutely right with the world. Because finally, after all the heartache and longing, Cassidy was here. In my arms. Where she belonged.

EPILOGUE - CASSIDY

2Years Later

Michelle was already waitingat our usual corner booth when I arrived at the café, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug. She looked up and smiled as I approached.

“Right on time,” she said.

“Couldn’t risk you texting me ‘Where are you?’ in all caps.” I slid into the booth and let out a long breath. Today was a weird day.

“Fair, I can be a little intense.”

Smiling, I held up both hands. “Hey, I’m not one to talk.” The server came by with a latte, placing it in front of me.

“I already ordered for you.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Have you processed it all yet?”

“Not really,” I said slowly. “It still feels surreal. I’m so fucking glad the judge granted our request for anonymity. I couldn’t have handled having my face all over the news.”

“Me either. The courthouse was a circus yesterday, after the verdict.”

“Did you go?”

She shook her head. “No, but my sister did, so I got real time updates. His young, blond fiancé was by his side, telling the media it was all a big misunderstanding.”

“Poor girl.”

“Yeah.” Michelle leaned back, exhaling deeply. “When the police found him with her it just… I don’t know. It didn’t surprise me. But it still hit hard.”

I nodded. The image of Brian’s face in the news replayed in my mind. “Engaged to be married,” I murmured. “He never learned.”

“Some people never do.” She took another sip of her coffee. “But we did. We’re out.”

I met her eyes and felt a quiet sense of triumph mixed with bittersweetness. “Yeah. We’re out.”

“And look at us now. You’re disgustingly happy with your millionaire Viking, I’m dating that cute teacher, and Brian’s about to learn the joys of orange jumpsuits.”

I laughed outright at that. These regular coffee dates with Michelle had become one of my favorite things. Our shared history with Brian transformed into something healing instead of haunting.

“Anyway, enough about that fuckstick. You all set for this afternoon?”

“Yep.” The very thought of it sent a thrill through me.

“Nervous?’

I considered for a moment, then shook my head. “No. I’m more than ready. I’m excited.”

“Great! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. And on that note, why don’t you get a wriggle on, so you can fill me in.”

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