Page 49 of Bleeding Hearts

Her eyes look up at me, and I can see it shining in them.

Hope.

I can’t help but wonder if mine mimics the same.

The whole thing only lasts a moment, but in that single moment, everyone else in the bar fades away. It’s just me and her and the words Kade spoke earlier echo in my head.

Because it’s right.

This, right here, with her, feels right, and I’m getting really sick of denying it.

“Well, thank you very much. You don’t look too bad yourself.” She breaks the moment, plastering a smile on her face.

“Well, I never look bad.” I wink at her.

“You cocky fuck. I can’t wait for the day a woman comes around and puts you in your place.” She laughs.

“Confident, not cocky.” I shrug. “And why would I need that when you do it every day?”

“You know what I meant.” She rolls her eyes.

I do know what she meant.

She meant someone that knocks me off my feet. Someone who makes me want to change my ways. Someone who will become the center of my universe.

She just hasn’t noticed that without me even realizing she already has.

“So, are you excited for tomorrow?” I ask her. “I’ve already got a bag filled with snacks just waiting to be eaten.”

“You know it’s only a three-hour drive, right?” she asks.

“And? Snacks are always a necessity.”

“Can’t argue that.” She shrugs. “Thank you again. For coming with me,” she says, her voice holding a hint of vulnerability.

“Yeah, yeah. I expect lots of free meals when you’re a big-shot chef with your own restaurant.” I smile down at her.

“Deal.” She laughs.

“Seriously, though, you don’t have to keep thanking me. You know I’d do anything for you.”

“Yeah.” She pauses. “I do.”

“Cake time,” Theo shouts over the music, standing near the huge wedding cake that Demi made.

“Hell yeah,” Willow yells back, running up to the cake.

“Willow,” King scolds. “Language.”

“But you say way worse words than hell, Daddy.” She bats her big hazel eyes up at him, feigning innocence. The truth is she’s anything but.

Both of King’s girls have him completely wrapped around their little fingers. I swear, the older they get, the more they test what they can get away with.

Personally, I find it hilarious, but also, I feel for King, especially with Ellie about to become a teenager. The two of them are gonna give him a run for his money.

“I’m older than you.” He sighs.

“So, how old do I have to be to start talking like you?” She puts her hands on her hips, looking up at him.

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