Page 47 of Unraveling with You

“Hey, hey,” a voice rumbles beside me.

I flip around to find Celeste leaping off Remington’s chest, bolting from the room. Remington gazes up at me, his eyes still bleary with sleep.

He lets out a low chuckle before tackling me back to the mattress. I yelp in surprise, but as he glomps onto me like a huge bear, rolling me over in a tight cuddle, I break into uncontrollable giggles. Remington lets out a low, growling hum, pulling me even closer until my entire backside - from shoulders to feet - is pressed against his front. “Did you forget I was here?”

“Oh, God, no,” I gasp through a laugh. “I was terrified all night you wouldn’t be here when I woke up.”

He hums, scooting higher to press hard kisses into my cheek. Almost all of me is coated in his hot skin, but he rolls up and over me with his leg thrown over my hip, enveloping me until just my head is barely poking out for air. I burst into heavier laughter, making Remington chuckle through his kisses. “And why would you think something like that, baby girl? Did I not love on you enough last night?”

My heart flips. Love? He didn’t mean he already loves me, did he?

But I might.

I swallow hard. “No, I– I think I need to tell you something.”

Shit, that sounded bad. Remington releases me, turning to look at me directly. He looks so worried that I stroke his tense forehead and cheeks.

Thankfully, he softens a little. “What’s wrong, L.L.B.? Are you having second thoughts about us?”

I gasp. “No!”

Remington blinks rapidly before erupting into giggles. “Looks like you learned how to say ‘no’ really well.”

Letting out a surprised laugh, I softly squish his cheeks. “Remington! I’m trying to be serious.”

He laughs. “I know, but you look so petrified that I’m trying to lighten the mood. Are you sure nothing is seriously wrong?”

The second fear crosses his eyes, my heart hurts for him. I can’t make him wait any longer.

“It’s just– I havereallydeep feelings for you, Rem. ‘Liking’ you isn’t big enough.”

My heart throbs at my confession, especially as Remington’s chest freezes with his sharp inhale. We stare at each other for a long time. Anticipation crawls up my arms, tempting me to believe in my worst fears. Is this when he’ll leave?

“Say something, please,” I whisper.

Remington lets out a frantic breath, sorting out my bangs. “Fuck, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to freak you out. I’m just– I’m panicking a little, because I havereallydeep feelings for you too, Lilibeth. So big, it’s scaring me also. I was already thinking hard last night about how right you were - that I wasn’t as open as you’ve been with me - and I felt really bad for you. I’m terrified of somehow breaking your heart - of someday losing this bliss between us and becoming like my angry, arguing family.”

I face him. He looks even more gorgeous in the daylight with his rumpled T-shirt and messy hair, churning my stomach. Is there a rift between us? I don’t want there to be.

But as Remington’s shoulders rise, I realize there’s no rift at all; we’re on the precipice of deciding whether to fully meld together, and if we both feel this strongly, that’shuge. Remington really meant it when he explained he’s petrified to take the leap, so maybe he’s telling the truth: that he doesn’t want to lose me either, and that’s exactly why it’s scary.

“What do you mean, you haven’t been as open with me? You told me so many secrets lately, especially at Club X,” I say.

He huffs, stroking my arm. “Fuck, I’m scaring you. I’m so sorry. I’m dying to stay close to you, Lilibeth. Please, before we continue talking, just know that.”

My shoulders soften. “I’m dying to be close to you too. Can we sit closer?”

He rushes for me, pulling me into his lap. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I hug him tight, holding the back of his head to me as he tucks his chin over my shoulder. My heart shatters; I hadn’t realized he was shaking until I had him in my arms.

I rub his back. “You’re so scared, Rem.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I guess after my ex, I’m also just afraid to allow you to be affectionate back to me too much. And I didn’t do it intentionally, but I realized last night how much I’ve been deflecting your care out of fear instead of just enjoying this with you. But part of me is still afraid that the next time I deflect, you’ll realize my feelings aren’t what’s actually important to you, and you’ll leave me really hurt too.”

I gasp through his words, holding him even tighter. “I couldn’t imagine that. That’s not me.”

“No, I know. Sweet isn’t a strong enough word for how empathetic you are towards me. You’re such a sweetheart to keep bringing up my needs, so I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult. I— Ireallywant to be close to you.”

I lean back, and Remington clings tight to my waist. Squished in his lap, I raise his chin toward me until I can finally see his sad black eyes. They’re rimmed in red, shattering my heart further.

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