Page 39 of Pour Timing

She watches me with a smile tugging on her lips. The sheet she was holding against her body drapes low, exposing her breasts. I cup her breast and her eyes dilate.

“I meant what I said last night, Matt.”

“Which part?” She purses her lips but leans into my touch. I continue to hold her breast, rubbing my thumb over her nipple. “Was it the part about loving my filthy mouth? Or the part where I made you come so hard you almost passed out?”

She barks a laugh. “If that’s the only part you remember, we may need to rethink this little sleep over.”

I grin and pull her onto my lap. “I was wondering when this would come up. I’m glad you're not holding back. So I won’t either.” I brush her hair back from her shoulders as she wraps her arms around my neck, the sheet falling between us as she presses her bare breasts against my chest.

“Ooh, this is going to be good. Go ahead. I’m ready.” Her eyes are full of eagerness. I shake my head lightly at her antics.

“I meant what I said, to?—”

“And what’s that?” she cuts in quickly, and I tickle her ribs as she squirms.

“If you’d let me talk, you’d know.” She calms down and waits as I steady my breathing. “I’ve loved you since I was a stupid kid who didn’t know anything about how to love you right. I didn’t understand what it meant to show up. To stay. To fight for someone even when it wasn’t easy. I was blind to everything but what I wanted, or what I thought I should get. But I see clearly now. I’m just glad I get the chance to try again.”

“Me too.” She smiles. “You know, your mom told me something when we went to lunch that day.”

I roll my eyes. “My mother needs to stop getting involved in everything.”

She chortles. “No, she makes a lot of sense and it was a huge help for me to talk to her. She said the reason our past relationships didn’t work out is because they weren’t the right ones for us. Because they weren’tus.And maybe those heartbreaks had to happen so we could find our way back to the one we were really meant to be with.”

She pauses, her gaze drifting downward for a moment. “She said it better than I’m saying it now, but it stuck with me. It made me stop blaming myself for the things that fell apart. For holding on too long. Heartbreak sucks, but if it leads you to the right one, then it was worth it.”

I raise my brows. “Or in our case,backto the right one.”

Epilogue ~~ Kylie 10 weeks later

My sister and I are hanging out at Grape Expectations today. On what would have been the day of my bachelorette party, she made sure we’re celebrating the day a different way. With everyone who truly loves me for me. The day isn’t a big deal to me. It didn’t take me long to realize I made the best choice for myself and for Patrick. And it’s not something I’m dwelling on.

I have more than enough to keep me busy now.

“Ky!” Liam comes charging off the back porch and onto the grass where I’m seated with Sadie and Kathleen.

“Oh, you’ve got the Byrne boys whipped, don’t you?” Kathleen titters, and it makes me smile.

“I think it’s the other way around.” I wink at her then focus on Liam as he comes skidding to a stop in front of me. “Hey, sweetheart! What’s up?”

“Dad just told me we’re planning a party for Mr. Love!”

My sister's head snaps toward me so fast I think she has whiplash. “Shh!” I put my pointer finger over my lips then pass my sister a look. “It’s going to be a surprise party.”

Liam jumps in his spot and my sister leans back in her chair, closing her eyes. Kathleen and I laugh and she says, “I see there are mixed emotions at this table.”

“This is so cool! I’ve never planned a party for a teacher before!”

“Well, he’s more than just a teacher, he’s one of your dad’s best friends, and he’s been a great role model here in Starlight Bay.” My sister makes a pfft sound and I have to kick her under the table. “Do me a favor. Go tell your dad when he gets a free minute to come join us so we can chat real quick. Tell him he has to fill Sadie in on the details.”

His eyes flick to my sister and his smile gets wider. “Okay!” and he runs off.

My sister smacks me. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”

“You know what! I’m not going to plan this party. I want nothing to do with this.” She sits back with a huff and crossed arms.

“Methinks you doth protest too much,” Kathleen says, and it makes me burst into laughter.

My sister narrows her eyes. “I feel I can say this because you’re basically family now, Kathleen. But you can take your protest and shove it up yo?—”

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