Page 13 of You Are My Every Reason

“Do you have a girl?” I ask, glancing down, unable to meet his eyes. It feels like an eternity before he speaks, but I know it’s only been a few seconds.

“Yeah, I got a girl.” I suck in a breath. His finger goes under my chin to tilt my head up. “She’s in my bed every night, clinging to me like a koala bear.” Rich says this with a smile on his lips. I immediately relax when I realize he means me.

“Am I your girl?”

“To me you are.”

“Oh.” What does that mean, then? To him I am? Who else would there be? Oftentimes I’m not sure what some of the things people say here mean, but I don’t ask. It’s a mix of not being bold enough and not wanting everyone to think I’m stupid. There may also be a little bit of fear that I won’t necessarily like the answer I get.

“You think I’d let a girl sleep in my bed if I had another?”

“That’s normal.” I shrug my shoulders.

“No, the fuck it’s not.” Rich drops down onto his butt to sit in front of me. “It’s not for me.” He cups my cheek. I lean into his touch. I always do, wanting more but never brave enough to say so. He already gives far too much. “Let me make this real clear to you. You’re my girl. My only one.” I can’t help but smile. “Are you good with that?”

“Yes.” A week ago all I wanted was freedom; now all I want is to belong to Rich. It’s crazy how quickly things can change.

“That’s my girl.” His thumb swipes across my bottom lip gently, stroking back and forth. My eyes drop to his mouth. So many times I've seen the couples here kissing, and I've wondered so badly what it would be like if Rich were to kiss me.

Our eyes stay locked, and Rich starts to slowly lean toward me, his eyes dropping to my lips. I tell myself to move, to meet him halfway, but my heart is racing. I so badly want to kiss him.

“Hey,” Willa chirps, her and Teddy entering the gym. Rich leans back, his eyes falling away from my mouth and flicking over to his sister. “What did I do?” She scrunches her nose.

“Nothing; he’s always grumpy.” Teddy shakes her head. “We came to see if Fallon wanted to hang with us.”

“Oh.” Part of me wants to, but another part wants to stay right here.

“She’s staying with me.” Rich reaches out his hands, coming to my hips. They pause there, and I give a small nod. He pulls me into his lap, my back pressing to his chest, his arms wrapped around my waist.

“Maybe she wants girl time.” Teddy lifts a brow.

“Want me to make them leave?” Rich whispers into my ear; I turn my head to peek back at him. He’s smirking at me. I don’t think he’s always a grump.

“Aren’t you fighting tonight?” Willa asks. “You’ve been missing school, but I thought you’d go to your fight.”

“And Fallon can hang with us,” Teddy adds.

Crap, he’s been missing so much for me. “It’s okay. I can stay here while you go do what you need to.”

“I think my sister and Teddy should butt out. They certainly don’t like it when I comment on their relationships.” There is no missing Rich’s annoyance.

“Relationship?” Willa smirks, her eyes bouncing to mine and then back to her brother's.

“All right, we’re out.” Rich stands, keeping me in his hold and putting me on my feet. He snags my hand.

“Rich, really. You should go and do what you need to.”

“She’ll be fine with us,” Teddy pushes.

“We’ll let you know,” Rich says before leading me out of the gym and back up to our room.

ChapterTen

RICH

The girls never know when to stop. They keep pushing, and it’s starting to piss me the fuck off.

“Don’t be mad.” Fallon gives my hand a squeeze.

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