Page 42 of Choose Me

Me:Yeah pretty happy for me too

Me:Going to look at houses next week though

Astrid:Probably a good idea

Astrid:Not sure how long you and B can live together and not get on each other’s nerves

Me:Longer than B and G together

Astrid:Give it time. They were doing great

Astrid:Having you home stirred the pot

Astrid:But I’m not blaming you!

Astrid:I’m happy you’re home!Red heart emoji red heart emoji

Me:Me too. G2G. TTYLRed heart emojiu bean

Astrid:red heart emojiyou too mus

As I close out of the message, I hear laughter from the kitchen. Throwing the covers back, I pull on my jeans from last night, then go out to face our friend. When I enter the kitchen, Quinn is leaning against the counter with a mug of coffee cradled in his hands. Jules has an embarrassed but very happy grin on his face, and it makes my heart swell with love. I’ve never seen Jules so happy before. He walks over to me and hands me a cup of coffee and my T-shirt, then leans into my side. I wrap him in my arms and nuzzle into his hair. “You shouldn’t have come within reach. Now I’m not letting you go.”

His laugh is playful and joyous, and I love seeing him like this. “Well, I guess I’ll have to call into work tomorrow and tell them I’m sorry, but I can’t come in because my boyfriend won’t let me go.” My heart skips several beats when he says boyfriend, and he must realize what he’s said because his body stiffens in my arms.

I can feel Quinn staring, but I don’t look away from Jules. If I do, it could send him into a tailspin, and that’s not at all what I want out of this moment. Plus, I’m all for being boyfriends. I keep my body completely relaxed and reach out to stroke his cheek. “Your boyfriend, huh?” His eyes are wide and he’s practically vibrating with apprehension. “Can I be your boyfriend, Jules? Officially?”

His jaw drops, and I know he understands my wording. I wasn’t asking if he’d bemyboyfriend. The sweet smile replaces his shock. “Yes. I’d like that.”

God, I’m the luckiest man alive. “Good, because I would too.”

Quinn sets down his coffee mug and claps. “It’s about fucking time! Jesus, I thought you two would never get your shit together.”

I startle, because in the last few moments, I’d almost forgotten Quinn was here. I flip him off and lean down to kiss Jules. This has truly been one of the best mornings I’ve had in I can’t even remember how long. Things are finally falling into place for me. I’m back in Seattle, I’m part owner of a company where I get to do the things I love for a living, and I have the best boyfriend in the entire world. Things are going my way, and I won’t let anything ruin it.

14

Jules

Idon’tknowwhyI thought it was a good idea to be out with the masses on a Friday evening, but somehow I let Stef convince me to come out and throw darts with everyone. Okay, it wasn’t Stef’s doing at all. It’s Erik’s fault. I haven’t seen him since he left this morning, and I really need to because I’ve half convinced myself I’ve imagined most of the last twenty-four hours. The only reason I’m not completely convinced is because Quinn insists it was real. I still can’t believe Erik asked to be my boyfriend. Just the thought of it releases a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach.

Quinn nudges me. “Take a breath. I’m right here with you.” Tadhg is on my other side and smiles encouragingly as we push our way toward the back of the bar where the dart boards are. I swear the bar is past its legal occupancy limits. My hands are clammy, and my pulse is racing. This was a bad idea. Someone jostles me and I careen into Quinn, who shoots out a hand to steady me, only to have someone else back up and pen me in. Strangers are everywhere, touching me, shoving me, and I need to get out of here now. My eyes dart wildly over the crowd, scanning for an exit.

And then I see him. Erik towers over the crowd, at least four inches taller than anyone else around him, and if that’s not enough to make him stand out, his beautiful hair is out of its usual braid, framing his handsome face in waves of golden brown, like a halo. My Viking angel.

He’s laughing, relaxed and enjoying himself, though his eyes sweep the room every few seconds. Is he looking for me? God I hope he’s looking for me. On his next pass, our eyes meet, and he smiles. I finally take a breath. If I can just make it across the room, he’ll keep me safe and grounded. He takes a few steps toward us, and Quinn guides me through the throng until I’m standing right in front of Erik.

“Hey Erik.” Quinn signs and speaks. “Nice to see you.” Erik hugs Quinn, then Tadgh, and then wraps me in the tightest hug. I melt against him, taking a deep breath. Quinn taps my shoulder and jerks his thumb behind him before he signs, “We’re going to wade back into the crowd and get drinks.” He gestures to the bottle in Erik’s hand. “Need another?”

Erik lifts his bottle and peers through the amber glass. “Yeah, thanks.” He shows Quinn the label so he knows what kind to get.

Quinn turns to me, waiting for my order. With my barely contained anxiety ready to rear its ugly head, alcohol is not a good idea, especially if things get worse and I need my prescription. I glance warily at the crowd and pat my pocket for the small bottle of anti-anxiety meds. ‘I’m going to stick with soda water and lime.’

Quinn takes Tadhg’s hand. “Jules, you hang with Erik. We’ll be right back.” We watch them push their way through the crowd towards the bar, and I’m envious of the way they easily navigate the masses.

“Hey, you okay?” Erik puts his hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

I’m not, but I’m also not panicking yet, and if I can stay distracted, I’ll be fine. “Yeah, I’m okay.” My voice is a bit shaky, but with all the noise, I’m sure Erik doesn’t hear it. “Especially now that I’m here with you.”

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