Page 65 of Inevitable
He’d always been that way, even in Virginia Beach.
His behavior had been almost unimaginable for me after being married to a man who had dumped me because I supposedly couldn’t have a child.
My ex had also been incredibly selfish and mean in other ways, too.
It wasn’t until I met Colin that I realized how much I’d been missing in a romantic relationship.
Maybe Colin and I hadn’t really had a relationship, but he’d taught me a lot about the way I wanted to be treated.
He’d essentially spoiled me for any other man.
Colin had come into my life at a time when I wasn’t feeling good about myself.
I’d been completely crushed emotionally and physically.
During our time in Virginia Beach, I realized that Iwasvaluable.
That my opinionsdidmatter.
That I deserved to be respected.
That I was still desirable.
And I’d refused to settle for anything less in the future.
I’d never found anyone like Colin again, but I was glad I’d never settled.
If I had, I wouldn’t be with the man I was crazy about right at this very moment.
“Are you okay, Em?” Colin questioned in a concerned voice as he took my hand again.
God, I loved it when he called me by that old, shortened pet name he’d occasionally used in Virginia Beach.
From him, it sounded like an endearment.
“Yeah,” I assured him as I pulled myself out of my thoughts. “I was just thinking about what an amazing guy you are.”
He frowned at me. “I think that then I’m going to start to wonder about your mental competence. I’m a complete asshole, Emma. Ask anyone who knows me.”
“Then they don’t really know you,” I argued as we positioned ourselves to get a nice view of the limestone arch and the stunning views of Lake Michigan. “I think you’re the most incredible man I’ve ever known.”
He shrugged. “Since I like the fact that you think that, I guess I’ll let you stay delusional.”
I slapped him on the shoulder playfully. “Stop that! Youareamazing. You just don’t realize it.”
Colin might not see all of the qualities that I adored about him, but they were definitely there.
He might do a good job of hiding them from the rest of the world, but I’d always been able to see right through his tough guy act.
He grinned at me as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Keep those delusions coming, sweetheart. Picture.”
I shook my head. “No photos. I look sweaty and disgusting right now.”
“You look stunningly gorgeous,” he replied as he wrapped his arm around me, positioned the two of us, and held the phone out as far as possible to get the picturesque scenery behind us.
“Okay, which one of us is delusional now?” I said jokingly.
“Not me,” he insisted. “Smile.”
