Page 24 of Wrong Number

“I know why it sucks for you, me saying this. Your parents were assholes.”

“You know.” Of course, he would. He’d followed me. He had probably looked me up. Maybe he worked at the precinct, too?

“I know. I know all about you. I don’t know why you’re not scared right now as I tell you this, but fuck me, I’m glad.”

“Nix—"

“I’ve been divorced.” I winced. I knew being sad he’d been someone else was irrational, but I couldn’t help it.

“Oh?”

“And even before that, I thought the whole idea of love was ridiculous. And living the life I do, doing what I do, I saw parts of the word and life that only added to my resolve that forevers were never actually fairy tales but twisted tales.”

“Nix—"

“But then you came along,” he rasped. “One look at you and, Vivi, you… you changed me. Everything in my head and heart. Just one look at you brought out a side of me I didn’t know existed.”

“Nix—”

“And I thought learning about you would be enough. But it wasn’t. Then I wanted to hear your voice. I was sure the moment we talked, I’d see there was no way in hell I’d have anything in common with you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re younger than me. You’re my opposite in every sense of the word.”

“I don’t know about?—"

“I do. You’re a walking, breathing, living ray of sunshine out in the world. I’m pretty sure you believe kindness can be spread like wildfire.”

“I mean—" He chuckled.

“My point exactly. You make sure old ladies get on the bus safely and open doors for people.”

“Make sure old ladies…” I started to repeat his words and frowned. He’d just confirmed how often he followed me.

“I told you, kitten, I’m obsessed with you. The more I learned, the more we talked… the hungrier I got.” I shivered, but in a good way. Everything felt warmer inside of me. “And realized just how fucking wrong I was.”

“About?”

“Love. Forevers. Happily ever afters. I might have not known it at the beginning, but I know it now, pretty girl.” He leaned in closer, and I wanted to believe him.

His hands cupped my face, and suddenly, the blindfold loosened. It fell away, but my eyes were shut, and I couldn’t get myself to find the courage to open them.

“Give me those gorgeous eyes, kitten. I need you to see me so I can keep telling you something.” My eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the bright light in the room.

My gaze was cast down, and I knew who he was without looking up at him. My head popped up and my eyes widened.

“It’s you.”

“It’s me.” His thumb stroked my cheek.

“I felt so guilty when we talked at night.” My face heated as I reminded him of our dirty calls. “I imagined you.”

“Fuck.” His eyes shut, and his forehead leaned against mine. “I love you, Vivian Delacruz. You’re mine. I love you so fucking much,” he rasped, and I giggled.

It had been a long time since I’d heard those words from anyone other than Lana and her mom.

“Nix…” I couldn’t get myself to say them.

---