Page 89 of Ink & Ambition

I close my mouth. It was a very practical way of thinking. Very Margot thought-process. And it’s given me a chance to really think about what I want. Margot stays silent, allowing me time to form a thought-out response as hers.

But as it turns out. I don’t need to think. I’ve known since the moment she propositioned me about the podcast, the moment I realized I’d be spending so much more time with her.

“I’m willing to give whatever you’re willing to take, sunshine.”

Margot’s eyes bolt to mine but she doesn’t speak.

“I’ve never had a girlfriend before, not for lack of trying on the girls’ parts.” Margot rolls her eyes. “But,” I laugh at her reaction, reaching across the table to grab both her hands in mine. “But, I’m ready now because I know you’re the one I want to be with.”

“How do you know that?”

I blink.HowdoI know that?

“Do you know why I call you sunshine?” Margot only shakes her head. “The first time I met you, that night at the party, there was this glow around your head. I know it was just the lighting from the porch but to me, you looked like the sun.”

Margot draws in a breath but I continue.

“Then the next time I saw you, in the library. Same thing happened. This time with the actual sun behind your head. Just reinforced the name for me. Also reinforced the fact that I had to know you. Because if a girl who radiates sunshine could have even a small desire to spend her time with me, I am lucky for it.”

Margot, again, is quiet. I’ve seen her silent before but I never thought I would silence her. I guess I better finish my thought before she runs for the hills.

“I like you, Margot. I would be honored if you would be my girlfriend.”

“Holy shit,” Margot whispers.

I chuckle. “Okay, sailor.” Margot’s eyes are as wide as a full moon, her pupils completely dilated. “Got anything else to say? Anything…positive?” I ask, giving her hands another reassuring squeeze.

She blinks but remains quiet still. Suddenly, I start to second guess myself. What if she didn’t actually want a relationship? What if she just wanted to keep things casual? Fuck. But I don’t want to keep things casual. The thought of another man touching her drives me completely insane. Even when I saw her with Ryan, I wanted to–

“Alex, you’re crushing my hands,” Margot squeals, and I immediately loosen my grip but don’t let go. If she’s going to let me down easy right now, I’m not going to let her go until the very last second.

She takes in a very, very deep breath and then nods her head once.

“What is that?”

“Okay,” she simply says.

“Okay what?”

“Okay, I’ll be your girlfriend.” I jump out of my seat and make to grab her face but she speaks again. “On one condition.”Deflated, I slump back into my chair, arms at my sides while I wait for her to continue.

“You have to let me help you figure out how you can become a personal trainer.”

“Sunshine, did you hear a word I said back there?”

Margot stands and rounds the table, leaning against it closer to me. She places her hands on my shoulders, pulling my eyes to hers.

“I did and I understand what’s holding you back, I truly do. But I think we can figure this out. Together. We can find a way to secure Drew a safe future and provide you with the one you want all at the same time, just…let me help you.”

She runs her hands down the back on my neck, tugging gently on the hair there. The look on her face is one of fierce sincerity. I know she feels like she can really make a difference here and I love her for it but I know my father. I know there’s nothing on this Earth that will make him change his mind. Still, it would be interesting to try and if I get to call Margot mine in the meantime, I’ll take that deal any day.

“Fine. We cantryto figure it out. Together.”

The concerned expression on Margot’s face immediately morphs into pure joy. She reaches down just as I reach up and our lips connect in an earth-shattering way. Within seconds, she’s opening her legs wider and I’m taking that to my advantage as I pull her onto my lap, straddling me. Margot falls gracefully into the new position, worming her hips around in an agonizing way. Our lips never disconnect but I groan as she continues to move her butt on my lap.

Grabbing her hips to steady her, I break the kiss. “If you don’t stop moving down there, we’re going to have a very big problem on our hands.”

“Verybig, huh? I’ll be the judge of that.”

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