Page 52 of When I Had You

Turning around slowly, she asks, “You do?”

“I do. We talk about everything and nothing, and I look forward to it all day.” Her smile blooms again, and I say, “And for the record, the arguing is the only flaw I’ve discovered.”

She seems less than impressed and sighs heavily. “You were doing so good, too.” She’s about to leave but then pokes me in the chest. “Then you had to open your mouth.”

“We all have flaws. If you think I’m Mr. Perfect, you’ll be sorely disappointed.”

“Mr. Perfect?” She rapidly blinks at me. “I’m full of flaws, and you’re Mr. Perfect?” She rolls her eyes and pulls her phone from the small bag anchored on her hip. “I think I’ll call it a night.”

“No, you’re not.”

If looks could kill, I’d be in a body bag. “I’m not?”

“Nice phone, by the way, but no, you’re not. I’m not letting you walk away from this conversation because it needs to be had.”

“Why? Why does it matter?”

“Listen to me, Marina. You can twist this however you want, but it doesn’t make it the truth. You won’t meet anyone else with more flaws than me. Trust me, sweetheart. Take it as a warning. Save yourself the trouble. But one thing I do know is that I’m trying to be better. I’m trying with you.”

As if she’s lost the energy for this talk, she says, “You shouldn’t have to try. If it’s meant to be, it should come easy.”

“Bullshit. That’s fairy-tale stuff. That’s the movies. That’s rose-colored glasses. None of it’s real. We are flawed and human and not perfect in the least, but if it’s worth the effort, it’s worth the work.”

The silence is shattered when she looks away from me again and says, “My brothers all fought for their wives. For them. Not against them.”

“I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t think you were worth the fight.”

“You barely know me, Cash.”

“Yet I’m still here, making the effort.”

There’s an ease in her shoulders, a breath released, and the swords in her eyes have disappeared. She seems deep in thought, staring at me as if I have the answer we’re searching for. She licks her lips, then bites the lower one, but then says, “I was having a good time. I don’t even know why we’re fighting.”

“Because you’re not in your comfort zone. You’re unsure. So am I.”

“Unsure about what?”

“What this is between us. It’s new territory.” I catch her hand just as it swings out. Palm to palm, our fingers fold together. “You don’t dislike me, babe. It’s just something you tell yourself to stifle the attraction.”

Even though I’m served an epic eye roll, she never releases my hand. “Okay, I don’t dislike you. Happy?”

“Yes.”

“I also find you attractive.” A shrug and a smile come into play. “So what? A little charming and kind of funny.”

“Little and kind of?” My expression sours, but it’s all in good fun now that we seem to be heading in the right direction again.

“A lot charming and funny. That’s all I’m giving tonight.”

“I’m good with that.” I move our hands down to our sides and pull her close with the other, rubbing her ass because I may not get another chance. “You’re prickly when you want to be but so fucking sexy that I haven’t stopped thinking about kissing you since I saw you across the street.”

With widening eyes, she catches her breath, and asks, “Really?”

“Really.”

Her free hand runs along my ribs, then lower to grab my ass. Guess she’s taking advantage of the opportunity as well. “Why don’t you?”

“Because I don’t want witnesses—”

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