Page 98 of Hung Up
“One more time.”
A breathy laugh peppers my lips. “I, Faith Thompson, am completely and utterly in love with you.”
I crash my lips to hers, the momentum sending us stumbling a step. It feels like my heart is going to explode, the relief and elation too much for my brain to handle right now. All I can keep thinking is that Faith is finally, one hundred percent without a doubt, mine.
Pulling away, she chuckles as she gently rubs her thumb along my cheek. I rest my hand on her wrist, looking into those eyes that I adore more than life itself, beyond grateful that I get to look at them for the rest of my life.
“I love you, too, Sweetheart,” I breathe, a lone tear that I didn’t even know was there in the first place rolling down my face. “God, I love you so much.”
“I know.” She presses a quick, gentle peck to the side of my mouth. “And I’m sorry if it took me a while to get there. Thank you for being so patient with me.”
I tip my head up, pressing my lips against her forehead as I mumble, “I’d wait for you forever if I had to.”
“Jesse Hayes, please report to chute three.”
“Go get ‘em, Pretty Boy.”
As I walk to the chute, I realize I’m lighter than I’ve ever been. I’m no longer plagued by doubt or fear, that voice in the back of my head finally silenced. There’s a calmness that has washed over me, taking all that has weighed me down these last four months with it. It seems like everything is finally falling into place.
There’s just one thing that I have left to do.
Win that buckle.
It’s no surprise that my ride goes extremely well, solidifying my first-place position heading into the championships. Bubba gave it his all tonight, but his all wasn’t going to be enough to prevent me from staying on ‘til that buzzer—not after that. I’d be damned if I was anything less than perfect after the woman of my dreams told me she loved me.
What a fool of myself I would’ve made.
Faith is waiting for me when I exit the ring, leaping into my arms and wrapping her arms around my neck. I squeeze her back just as tightly, elated that I will never have to wonder if it’s the last time I’ll ever hug her—I’m going to get to hug her as much as I want for the rest of our lives.
If someone had told me the first day she walked in that I’d one day be head over heels for her and that she’d love me too, I would’ve told them they were crazy. But life has a funny way of working things out, of giving you exactly what you need when you need it, and sometimes when you least expect it.
Working for her love might just be the greatest thing I’ve ever done with my life, and the one that has given me the greatest reward. I wasn’t lying when I said I’d spend every single day trying to become the man that deserves her—but the fact that she thinks I already am is enough for now.
Rylie appears just as we separate, a knowing smile on her face as she glances between the two of us. “You finally admitted it, huh?”
“Maybe,” Faith replies with a shrug, wrapping her arm around my waist. “It’s not me you need to interview, though.”
“Oh, I’ll be interrogating you later, don’t worry.” She gives her friend a wink before turning to me. “I have just one question for you tonight. In your previous seasons, you always started out strong but seemed to struggle as the season progressed.”
Faith chuckles as I grumble. “Thanks, Rylie.”
“I’m just stating facts.” I’m about to make a smartass remark when she continues. “However, this year, you’ve been having near-perfect or perfect rides all season, aside from your injury, of course. The fans want to know, what’s your secret?”
“It’s no secret,” I reply, looking at Faith as I say, “I found someone worth winning for. And the best part is, it doesn’t matter what happens in Arlington. I’ve already won.”
Faith’s eyes grow misty, so much love in them that I feel suddenly overwhelmed. But Rylie’s fake sniffle draws my attention back to her as she wipes under her nose. “Enough, you guys, you don’t have to be so cute. No need to rub it in my face.”
“It’s not like we haven’t had to see you and Stetson getting all cozy and romantic before,” Faith says, rolling her eyes. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“I am. Doesn’t mean I want to see it.” Rylie shrugs, not looking the least bit sorry. “PDA and romance grosses me out.”
It’s me laughing this time. “Whatever you say.” I press a kiss to the side of Faith’s head before whispering in her ear, “Let’s get out of here.”
It’s time for me to show Faith just how much I love her.
39FAITH
ARLINGTON
