Page 114 of Protecting Christina

“Tina, we’d like four rounds of tequila shots, please.”

“Tequila shots, huh?”

“Yes, we are celebrating, and we are not going to mess around about it.”

“Maybe, let’s start with a glass of champagne since it’s only eleven thirty.”

Cheyenne shrugged. “Fine. But only because you’re buying.”

“What are you celebrating?”

“We are celebrating getting a dipshit of a man out of our lives.”

Tina’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t know him, but Simon Graff is a real piece of work. And today, he is out of our lives, and behind bars. And there’s no better feeling than standing up for yourself. Isn’t that right, ladies?” Lynette asked, and the women whooped in reply.

I chuckled as I basked in their afterglow. They were happy, and I was, too. My gaze caught Will’s as he chose a table near the back. I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Thank you,” I said.

“For what? Agreeing to stay sober?” he chuckled.

I shook my head. “No. For being you. For being patient,” I kissed his lips softly, “and understanding when I need your help versus when I need your support. You get me like no one else ever has.”

“You make me want to know everything about you. Good, bad, and ugly. But it’s never ugly to me, remember that. Your past, who you are, is beautiful to me. You are beautiful not just here,” he caressed my cheek, “but here, too.” He placed his hand over my heart, and my eyes watered.

“No one has ever accused me of being soft.” I tried to smile, but my emotions were too shaky.

“You’re not soft, Christina. You are fiercely protective. And compassionate. Just because you love hard doesn’t make you a hard person.”

He pulled me against him. “There’s only one thing that’s hard between us,” he said with a grin.

I squeezed my hand between our bodies. “Shall I help you with that?”

He barked out a laugh. “God, you are adventurous. But no, I’m going to take my time with you tonight.”

“Your place?”

“Yes.”

“Deal.”

“Now, go have fun with your friends. I’ll come back to pick you guys up in a couple of hours.”

He kissed my lips. “I love you,” he said.

I inhaled sharply. “I love you, too, Will. I can’t believe I haven’t said it yet, but I’ve loved you for a while now.”

He smiled. “I know, but I really felt it today.”

“Why?”

“Because when you left that courtroom today, you left the past behind. I think you’re finally ready to accept a future—with me.”

Damn. He knew me better than I knew myself.

I nodded otherwise, those tears blurring my vision would fall down my cheeks, and I didn’t want to cry. Not when this was supposed to be a day for celebration and new beginnings.

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