Page 46 of Heart Me Up
I nodded. And now that my worry for Malcolm was dealt with, I could put Foster out of his misery. “I accept your apology.”
He looked startled. “Just like that?”
One side of my mouth quirked up. “Did you want to beg first? Because I’m totally up for hearing some begging.”
Foster shook his head, smiling. “Maybe some other time.” He slid closer and held out his hand for mine. I gave it to him, and his grasp was warm and reassuring. I relaxed, only then understanding how tense I’d been, even though Foster was the one doing the apologizing. “Iamso very sorry,” he told me. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, and I won’t do it again.”
I squeezed his hand. “We talked about getting tested, going bare. For me, that meant we’d be exclusive. Is that what you meant too?”
Foster turned on the bench so he was facing me. He grabbed my other hand and said earnestly, “Yes. You and me, nobody else. That’s what I want.”
I smiled before becoming serious. “Listen, I need to trust that if you have doubts, if you have questions, you’re going to ask me before making any assumptions or decisions. Can you do that?”
Foster started nodding before I even finished speaking. “I can. I will. I won’t forget.”
Internally, I thought,We’ll see.But everybody’s allowed to make mistakes, and Foster deserved a chance to make things right.
Hell, it’s not as if I was perfect.
Foster interrupted my internal dialogue. “So… can I kiss you now?”
I laughed and leaned toward him. The kiss was perfect for the moment. Romantic and full of promise. I sighed when it was over.
“Will you have dinner with me tonight?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I’m completely wiped out.” I told him about Bruno’s bloat. “And then my ex called for whatever reason.” Foster opened his mouth, so I rushed to reassure him. “I hung up on him. But it kind of messed with my head on top of everything else.” I gestured between us.
“Yeah, I understand. I’m sorry my being an ass made your day harder.” He ran his hand along my arm.
“We’re good. Can I take a rain check on dinner though? Maybe tomorrow night?”
“I can’t wait.” He pulled me close again, and this time the kiss was scorching hot.
Chapter21
Foster
After I’d goneto see Malcolm this morning, I’d dragged myself to the station to finish my reports for last night’s bust. Amy covered for me while I went to meet Craig.
When I got back to my desk, she raised her eyebrows and said, “Well?”
I let a blissful smile come over my face and I lifted my hands. “He forgave me. We’re having dinner tomorrow night.”
“Congratulations.” She threw a paper clip at me.
“Hey! What was that for?”
“Next time, you need to listen to me when you’re thinking about doing something stupid.”
I slumped over the desk. “I know. Sorry. You were right.”
Amy inspected her fingernails, blew on them, and buffed them against her chest. “Why, yes, yes I was.” I rolled my eyes at her.
Then she asked, “So, what’s your next move?”
I cocked my head. “What do you mean? We’re having dinner tomorrow night. I thought I’d make something at home. Maybe light some candles. You know… stuff.” I trailed off. Amy shook her head at me and sighed. Fuck, was this going to be another one of those areas where I fell short in the romance department?
She put both of her palms down on the desk and leaned forward. “You were a dumbass, so you need a big apology gesture.”
