Page 95 of Pucking Tangled
“Because it is.”
Later, when they finally settled and the war that seemed to rage between them the second time around died down, Mia rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Thank you for seeing me. All of me,” she whispered.
“I always have, Blondie.”
“Does this mean I’m allowed in the garage anytime now?” she asked playfully.
Waylon lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “Invite only. But maybe one day, I’ll paintyou.”
“I think I’d like that.”
“Me too.” He kissed her palm again. “I didn’t hurt you or anything, did I?”
“No. Not at all. Honestly, Waylon, I needed that. Needed you. Exactly as you are.”
“I needed you, too. Still do.”
At some point, they both stirred to go to the bathroom and Waylon was thoughtful enough to retrieve her textbook from the backyard without her asking.
“You’re welcome to stay and study here. Or if you need your space, I get that, too,” he offered, handing her the textbook with a tentative smile like he was unsure about her next move.
“Waylon Ryan, are you kicking me out?” She smirked.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “No, Mia. Just trying to look out for you. I know school’s important. I’m not going to mess with that.”
“Hm, I kinda liked you interrupting, though.” She reached up and kissed him.
“Noted.” He smiled against her lips.
Mia yawned and climbed back into his bed. “I think I might sleep right here tonight.”
He looked up at the ceiling. “Thank you, Jesus.”
Mia laughed. “Come here, pain in my ass.” She held up one side of the covers for him to join her.
“That’s cute, if you think we’re actually going to sleep.” He winked.
THIRTY-FOUR
Casey
Casey had always beenthe one to suggest spontaneous things—late-night fast food runs in the snow, impromptu karaoke in the locker room, parties at their house.
But this was different.
Which was probably why the guys acted surprised when he proposed it.
It hadn’t been long at all since he ‘had his moment,’ as Owen put it. And since then, he spent too much time wondering if loving Mia out loud had broken the two things that mattered most to him.
Mia and Owen.
Deep down, he knew there was no reason for his fear or for feeling unsettled.
Things were…good.
Surprised or not, they all agreed to his suggestion to take the day and get the hell out of the house.
The five of them.Together.
