Page 95 of Whiskey Neat

“Oh god.”

“I’ve fallen for you.”

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, I’m no longer able to hold back the emotions. Tears fall from my eyes to slide down my cheeks and my chest is tight. Yep, love feels like dying. Awesome.

“And it’s okay with me if you need more time to get there,” Indy continues. “I know you will because this is too good. I believe in it. I know we can make it.” He wipes a tear from my cheek with his thumb. “Damn, you’re even beautiful when you cry, sweet thing.”

“I’m…” My voice cracks and I have to clear my throat and shake my shoulders out to compose myself.

“Take your time, gorgeous.”

Blowing out a breath, I nod. “I’m already there, Indy. I think I have been for a while, but I was hiding behind my wall, trying so hard not to get hurt this time. I don’t think I could’ve recovered if you’d turned out to be like the others. I’ve been so fucking scared.”

Indy holds my hand to his chest. “Are you a little less scared now?”

“Yeah. You’ve given me something no one else has. A safe place.” I wipe my cheek. “I’m not even mortified by the fact that I’m bawling in front of you.”

“I’m honored. Truly. I know how hard it is to show vulnerability. I’ve only managed it with the guys, but exposing your heart is a whole new gig, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

“This isn’t casual anymore. It’s a real, living, breathing relationship and I want it so much. I want to figure out how to love you in all the ways you deserve. I want to be the safest place you’ve ever known. I want you to trust that no matter what, I’ve got you. You’ll never stumble or fall because I’ll be there to hold you up.”

My bottom lip quivers as another wave of emotion hits me. Happiness, desire, and so much relief. “We’re really doing this?”

“We’ve been doing this, beautiful. We’re just gonna stop pretending that we’re not all in. We’re gonna stop acting like it’s not serious. You’re my first love, Salem, and it’s fucking amazing.”

“No one’s ever said that to me. No one’s ever been in love with me.”

“Then I get to be your first too.” With his fingers under my chin, he smiles, his eyes as glassy as mine feel. “I love you, Salem Barlowe. Thank you for showing me what it is. You were well worth the wait.”

“Dammit, Indy. I’m about to fall apart and cry like a baby.”

“It’s okay if that’s what you need. I’ll hold you through it.”

I climb onto his lap and bury my face into the crook of his neck. I do sob, finally releasing the years of disappointment and rejection and somehow accepting that this incredible man is for me. He loves me.

After a few minutes, I lift my head and wipe my face. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

“I’ve been trying to ignore the warning pings for weeks now. Every time you did something amazing—which was, like, every day—I knew I was falling, but I didn’t want to. I was scared.”

“I know.”

“But the heart is persistent, right?”

“The heart has arguments with which the logic of the mind is not acquainted.”

I smile. “Who said that?”

“Blaine Pascal. Learned it in some random college class, but it felt fitting.”

“Okay, gorgeous. Let’s add reciting romantic quotes to your list of good qualities.”

Indy laughs softly, rubbing circles on my back. “You’re in love with me too?”

“Over the moon. In fact, I know the difference now between all the times I thought I was catching feelings and what it actually feels like when it’s real. I was just practicing for you. You don’t have to try when you’ve met the right person, it just happens, even when you’re doing everything you can to avoid it.”

---