Page 50 of The Love Penalty

Alice chuckles and says, “Alright Roro, get a few hours of sleep too. Oh, and make me a fancy coffee if I’m going to drive that early.”

“Fine. But you gotta tell mom.”

“Yes, I got your back big brother. Always.”

“Thanks.”

When I land in Minneapolis,I am running on three cups of coffee and pure anticipation at seeing Olivia. I managed to make a reservation for a car rental before I left, so I throw my duffel bag in the backseat of the SUV and look up the nearest Home Goodsstore around. I grab every imaginable Christmas decoration, ribbon, and a small artificial tree to put up in her living room. Then I drive to the grocery store and get all of her favorite foods, because I know she’s just eating frozen dinners when she’s not at Grams’. And I won’t let my girl eat frozen pasta for Christmas.

By the time I pull into Olivia’s driveway it’s early afternoon, which means she should be awake by now. I load up my hands with as many bags as I can fit and head to the door. I ring the doorbell twice and hold my breath when it opens.

Olivia clearly does not expect to find me on her doorstep and after blinking away the shock, she breaks into a full grin and envelopes me in a hug. She’s a couple steps above me so I have to tip my head up for her to kiss me. Once she realizes my handsaren’t around her, she looks at the bags in my hands and her gaze flies back to me.

“Robbie, how are you here? What is all this?” she asks with excitement in her eyes. She looks like she just took a shower, her hair a little damp and she’s wearing her comfiest sweater and leggings. She’s so pretty, and soft, andmine.

“Merry Christmas Eve!” I say and she grabs a few bags from me and helps me bring them inside. I drop them by the entrance and run back to the car to grab my duffel and the small tree. When I close the door and put my items down, Olivia tackles me in another hug, and this time my arms close around her tightly. I breathe her in and feel myself relaxing. This is exactly what I needed.My girl.

We stand there hugging for a couple of minutes before she slowly pulls back and cups my face in her hands. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she says softly, her eyes intent on mine.

“Is it okay that I am here? It’s not too much?”Am I too much?I anxiously chew on the corner of my mouth as I wait for her reply. She’s going to tell me to go home, that she needs some space. That I’m too clingy.

Olivia drops her hands from my face and I screw my eyes shut. Fuck, maybe I shouldn't have come here and intruded on her space.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Olivia

“Hey, look at me,”I say. Robbie’s gaze slowly meets mine and there’s so much fear and uncertainty in his blue eyes. I don’t know where he went just now, but when he hugged me by the door a few minutes ago, all I could think was,Finally, I’m home.

This past week has been exhausting and all I wanted was Robbie next to me. Ever since we shared our feelings in Vermont,hell,ever since he kissed me at the airport almost a month ago, all I wanted was to spend time with him. To touch him, have his arms around me.

I think back to what he said.Is it okay that I am here?Of course it’s okay. It’s better than okay.It’s not too much?The last time he was on my couch here he confided in me and told me how growing up people always said he was too much, too loud, too brash. I need to reassure him that I won’t ever think that.

“Robbie, I am so happy you are here. It means the world to me that you took a last minute flight and gave up your mom’s famous biscuits and gravy to spend the holiday with me instead.”He lets out a deep breath, but before I can lose my courage, I keep going.

“You’re such a bright fucking light in my life and I’m so lucky to have found you. I know it wasn’t easy for me to open up, but I did. You know why?” Robbie shakes his head.

“Because you made me feel safe. Sure, you bullied me into being friends, but even then you were looking out for me.” He chuckles lightly and that gives me hope. “You are not too much. Not to me, honey.” Robbie’s shoulders relax and his hands find my wrists, holding tight. Like he needs to ground himself. I’ll give him whatever he needs.I’ll be his fucking anchor.

I bring my forehead to his and brush our noses together. “I’m in love with you, Robbie.” I kiss the corner of his mouth, then his cheeks, his nose, his lips.

“Please tell me I’m not still on the plane, dreaming,” he whispers against my lips.

I chuckle and shake my head. “Afraid not.”

“Thank fuck,” he says before capturing my mouth in a fierce kiss. He’s not gentle this time, teeth biting at my lip, devouring me completely. He abruptly pulls back, eyes wide like he just registered what I told him, before saying, “I’m so fucking in love with you, I couldn’t stand being away from you for another week.”

I give him my biggest, most genuine smile and lean in for another kiss. He breaks this one too and this time I whimper my disapproval. The jackass just smiles at me and says, “I actually have food in the shopping bags. Let’s put it away first.”

Ugh, how dare he be responsible when I’m about to climb him like a tree? Robbie gives me another quick kiss, then moves to the bags he brought.

“Seriously, what is in all these bags?” I ask warily. Did he buy the entirety of Home Goods?

“A tree, because it’s finally time you put one up. Decorations, of course, and some presents too. Groceries, so you don’t poison me with burnt toast.” He gives me a wicked smile, teasing me.

“I’m not a monster, I would at least feed you some freshly made frozen mac and cheese.”

His laugh is deep and wonderful and his dimples are making an appearance too. I really need him to stop with the bags, so I can continue my hike up Mount Robbie.

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