Page 127 of You're The One
But I’ve never really put myself out there for someone. It’s one thing to be liked for the easy parts. It’s another to show someone the fear, the doubt, the mess—and hope like hell they’ll take you for who you are.
“Look, I brought you a gift,” Summer shouts as Dom comes into view.
I catch the lift of his brows over her shorter height, but he plays along. “I hope it’s something good.”
“Pfft. The best.” She steps aside with a dramatic flourish, and I raise my arms like I’m Marilyn Monroe popping out of a cake.
Dom chuckles, and some of the tension melts away at the now-familiar sound.
He hugs Summer first, one of those quick, pat-on-the-back types. I try to remember if that’s how he used to hug me when we were forced to interact. But I’m pretty sure I always dodged his touch. Most people’s, really. But especially his.
Funny how things change.
“Hey.” His voice is soft as he nudges my chin up.
I didn’t realize I’d spaced out.
“You all right?” His thumb brushes along my jaw.
I don’t answer. I just wrap my arms around his waist and rest my forehead against his chest. His arms come around me immediately, anchoring me in that way only he seems to know how to do.
It’s all going to be okay.
Someone on set clears their throat, and Summer shushes them in a way that makes me appreciate her even more.
I pull back, and Dom captures my lips with his. In the kiss, I feel everything he doesn’t say.
You’re okay.
I’m here.
We’re going to get through this.
I just hope I still feel all those things after I do what is sure to be the most uncomfortable thing of my life. Talk about feelings. Ask for something I want. Face the possibility of rejection.
“All right, lovebirds,” Summer starts. “Let’s get this show on the road. I want to swim in the waterfall before I have to give the performance of a lifetime.”
“Lead the way.” Dom gestures to the path ahead, and Summer doesn’t need to be told twice.
We follow a few steps behind as she points excitedly at random things as we walk.
The hike isn’t long, and it’s quiet except for Summer’s running commentary and her occasional humming, like she’s writing a song in her head. With production closing off access, there’s no one else on the trail.
It should feel peaceful. All the shades of green, the smell of damp soil, the company of someone I didn’t know a month ago but now consider a friend. And a man I’ve known for years but never really knew at all. Still, my mind is somewhere else.
Do I have to have this conversation?
Yes, you do.
I tip my head up, the canopy of trees blocking the sky.
Dom catches my hand in his, squeezing it until I turn my gaze to meet his.
“Talk to me.”
I let out a quiet, sardonic laugh. Would he still want to talk if he knew what I had to say?
Hey, I know you came here for the full experience, and yeah, I said I didn’t want anything serious. But I’ve changed my mind. I know, I should’ve told you sooner. But now I’m asking you to choose me, to forget everything I said before and just go with this. Please?
