Page 69 of You're The One
Everyone always wants to help, and I wish they could.
But… he did, didn’t he? I’ve never had someone to confide in. Never let people see the part of me I usually keep locked up. It’s a little terrifying, but also kind of freeing.
“You checking up on me… and listening? That means more than you realize,” I tell him.
“Yeah?” His worry lines ease, just a little.
I nod.
“I’m glad. Can we seal it with a hug?” he asks, grinning.
“I’m kinda gross,” I warn, though I’m sure he’s already picked up on that.
“Never,la mia fiamma. Don’t make excuses. C’mere.”
I drop my head back against the headboard with a groan. “Not that name again.”
He chuckles. “You love it. It’s okay to admit it.”
When I glance back at him, he’s scooted up the bed, arms open wide, eyes full of exaggerated pleading.Stupid puppy dog eyes.
I sigh, push onto my knees, and wrap my arms around his neck.
He hugs me so tightly I let out anoomph, pressed flush against his chest. But I don’t hate the feeling. Not even a little.
I sink into the comfort of being surrounded by him, breathing in his masculine scent, letting his warmth settle into me. Exhaling, I release some of the weight that’s been heavy on my shoulders. It’s strangely freeing to share a bit of my truth. My heartbeat slows, and without thinking, I squeeze him a little tighter, whispering, “Thank you,” into his neck where my head is buried.
His lips brush my hairline before he pulls back, just enough to see my face. Our gazes lock—his deep blue meeting my lighter shade—but neither of us fills the silence. I’m not sure what I would say, even if I could form the words.
“Mia—” he starts, but a knock sounds on the door. We both scramble apart like guilty teenagers.
“Hey, sorry to interrupt,” Victoria says, peeking in, “but Bodhi’s looking for you, Dominic.”
“Okay, thanks, Victoria,” Dom replies, but doesn’t look her way, his eyes locked on me.
I glance at her, but she still doesn’t leave.
“I’ll be right there. Can you give us a minute?” Dom adds.
“Oh, sure. I’ll see you downstairs.” She gives me a tight smile before closing the door behind her.
I’m quietly relieved the one-on-one today is with Summer and not her. I get the feeling Victoria’s patience with the “kissing curse” is wearing thin. And the idea of her trying to break it?—
Nope. Not going there.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Dom draws my attention back. “Unless you’re not feeling up for it… That’s fine, too. I just wish I could come here and get you. Honestly, I’d piggyback you alongthe beach if that’d help. But seriously, no pressure.” The words leave him in a rush.
“Take a breath.” I laugh, and he does, taking a deep inhale followed by a quick exhale.
Tomorrow’s elimination day, and our last morning in California. After that, we head to Chicago for the week.
“I’ll be there tomorrow,” I promise. “I can’t miss our last beach day, right?”
“Right,” he echoes, and his smile lingers.
He hugs me once more before making his way to the door, hand resting on the handle. But just before he opens it, he turns back to me.
“I know I can’t exterminate the hive… but maybe I could put on one of those silly beekeeper suits. Use some of that smoke that calms them. I still don’t know why that works.” He shakes his head. “But that’s not the point. The point is that you wouldn’t be alone.”
