Page 21 of Unraveling with You

“You’re okay. Let me ground you a little, sweetheart,” he purrs. Remington pulses firm, loving squeezes down my arms and back. A soothing buzz in my chest covers more and more of me until I slump into him. He hums through a soft smile. “Good job.”

I hum back, softly rubbing his chest in gratitude. But with the sudden lack of space between us, the massive shift in our relationship finally sinks in.

My eyebrows arch through my smile. I’m simultaneously elated and aching. “So I don’t have to wait a full week to see you anymore?”

Remington’s eyes soften. “Oh, poor L.L.B. You were feeling bummed about that? Fuck, I should’ve asked you out sooner. I was just afraid of losing you if I moved too fast.”

I shake my head. “I-I wanted to move faster with you too, even if it’s scary for me.”

His genuine, soft tone warms my heart. “Then I’m right there with you, and we’re right where we’re supposed to be.”

I love the sound of that, beaming with my fullest smile. “Then how’s the Ruby Bistro, Thursday night at 6?”

Remington’s deep chuckle gives me goosebumps. “You’re trouble. Thursday it is.”

CHAPTER 5

ICAN FINALLY LIFTthe soup. Rocking between my feet, I call out, “Order out!” Gabby whistles as I widen my stance, keeping my chin lifted to carry the massive pot to the pass for plating. Giuliano pauses a whole two seconds to watch me cross before returning to his lasagna with a disparaging head shake. I stifle the pride in my chest, allowing myself my moment; the fact he didn’t say anything at all is just as good as the praise he’ll never give me. I’m really doing it.

Maybe I can lift Mom.

“Thanks, thunder thighs.” Ben laughs as I drop the pot on the pass.

My heart stings, but I don’t allow him to see it, lifting my chest higher. Ben does a double-take at my glare. He gapes like he doesn’t know what to say, so I channel a little Remington through me, darkening my stare and lifting one eyebrow. He breaks into laughter, latching onto Paolo as he dashes by.

“Dude, look at Lily. She actually looks pissed.”

“Leave her alone,” Paolo snaps. Ripping his arm from Ben’s grasp, Paolo leaves Ben gaping.

He turns to me with wide eyes, and it’s my turn to huff out a small laugh. Hurt crosses his features just before I turn my back to him, returning to the stove.

“Behind.” I dash to Gabby’s side. She stops stirring three soups, allowing me to share the load.

Gabby leans in. “I was hoping you’d let that tough girl side out a little someday. Told you you’re a bombshell all around.”

I can’t stop smiling. Maybe I do have more courage in me than I thought.

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