Page 80 of Fall Apart

CLAY

SPARK

I look down at Lizzy,into the blue eyes that melt my cold dark heart. I look at the smile that makes me want to do whatever it takes to keep it on her beautiful face. I look at the woman I’d give up every bit of control I have to make happy. I look at the woman I love.

“Is now the right time?” I ask, tucking one of those little strands of blonde hair I’m obsessed with out of the way.

Last night, she said we’d know when the right time was. And when I woke up this morning, suddenly I didn’t have the urge to go out and run. I didn’t care about my routine. I just wanted to enjoy the way Lizzy makes me feel, like nothing else matters. I just wanted to enjoy the things I love for once, consequences be damned.

I look back down at her, watching her smile grow wide and bright before she jumps up, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.

“I’ll take that as a yes, princess?” I chuckle.

“Shut up and kiss me,” she says, pulling on my neck, bringing her mouth to mine. Her soft lips meet mine and the kiss feels like an eternity. In this moment, it’s just me and her. I couldn’t care less about anything around us. The only thing that matters is how she makes me feel, how we make each other feel.

Eventually, we pull apart just enough for me to look into her eyes, still sparkling and brimming with joy. “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling her warm breath on my cheek.

Curiosity crosses her face. “For what?”

I hold her against me, her legs still wrapped around my waist like she’s a little koala. “Making me realize that I’d rather enjoy the things I love, even if for a day, than spend my life being afraid to lose them.”

She hums and presses her forehead into my neck. “Good. You’re welcome."

And at that point, I realize we are in fact not the only people in the world.

“So, we might have an audience, Princess.” I set Lizzy down carefully and she turns to look at Tanner and V, staring at us.

Lizzy cocks her head to one side, groaning and looking right back at V.

“What? You can’t be the only one allowed to have a Chapman boy-toy. Don’t act surprised.”

My brother snorts a laugh, prompting V to shove him. “Really?” she asks, glaring at him.

He shrugs. “Good for them. I can’t wait to watch this.”

Lizzy smirks and nods at Tanner then looks back to V. “Don’t be jealous I got the newer model.”

V finally laughs and shakes her head before palming her face.

I toss Lizzy a wink for the unexpected compliment frommy girland she air kisses back at me.

I watch V look around until she spots Grace, who’s looking off in the distance at the surrounding mountains.

“Did you know about this?”

Grace turns, a knowing grin on her face. “About what?”

V gestures towards us with an outstretched hand.

Grace looks at us and scoffs. “Oh! Those two? Yeah, I’ve known for weeks. That’s old news.”

V continues to shake her head. “I’ve got like a thousand questions.” I step towards her, putting myself between her and Lizzy.

“As long as you’re not upset, cool.”

She throws her head back and laughs. “Upset, no. Shocked, yes.”

I step back towards Lizzy, draping an arm around her.

---