Page 100 of Tongue-Tied

“I didn’t figure we’d be a marriage pact because I don’t need a pact to want a future with you.”

“Swoon.” I peck his lips.

He tightens his hold. “But I am a bit concerned that you rarely get tongue-tied anymore.”

“Concerned?” I stare at him. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Not if you only get tongue-tied in front of hot guys.”

I huff out a laugh, then gather his face in my hands. “When you were up at that podium, talking about your mom, know what I was thinking?”

He swallows. “What?”

“I was thinking how beautiful you are inside and out.” My throat is clogged with emotion. “How just seeing you across the room takes my breath away.”

“Fuck, Aus.” He briefly screws his eyes shut. “You’re the only one who’s ever made me feel like there’s butterflies in my stomach trying to break free.”

“Guess that means we’re going to get our HEA.”

“Happily ever after?”

“You remember what that stands for?”

“Of course I do. I was hoping you’d say that. Because the best friends-to-lovers trope is pretty lit.”

“Damn, I love you.”

“Love you too.”

When our mouths meet, I feel that same fluttering Dex described, but this time in my chest, like it’s too small to contain our happily ever after.

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