Page 166 of His Big Bad Stick

Abrielle nods.

When we look at each other…

I can’t help it.

I can’t hold back any longer.

I can’t do this.

I can’t fight it… why fight it…

“I love you, kitten.”

39

Abrielle

“No,” I blurt out. “You can’t say that!”

“I can’t say what?” Colver asks, curling his eyebrows.

“You can’t tell me you love me right here. Not like this. No. The situation is-”

Colver touches my face and leans down to kiss me.

His lips barely touch mine. “Don’t tell me what I can or cannot say to you, Abrielle. I’ve hid this for a long time. Years, kitten. Years I’ve wanted you. I’ve got you now. I can’t lose you. I can’t let you go. You need to know everything. The truth.”

“The truth…?”

“Of what I just told you. I love you. I’ve always loved you. You showed up this time… and… you’ve made my fucking life feel whole, Abrielle. And now this baby? Our baby? I’m not going anywhere. I’m sorry I walked out…”

“Colver, shut the fuck up for a second,” I yell at him.

He looks surprised.

I think he’s finally realized that I can talk to him however I want and he can’t stop me.

I stare into his eyes. “You have muscle. Strength. You have power. What happened at Jess’s place… he got into your head. That’s what he does. But I swear on my life, what he said… not a chance. Trust me, Colver. No chance.”

“I should have never even let it get to me.”

“It hit your pride. Because you love me.”

“That’s right, kitten. I love you.”

“This is really happening? You love me?”

Colver nods. “Why would I lie to you?”

“Colver, I’m so insanely in love with you it scares the hell out of me. I thought I was losing you. I thought you’d…”

“Everything is ours now,” he whispers. “We’re going to open your gallery. We’re going to find a place to live together. You’re going to have the baby but I’m going to be right there by your side. I’ll retire right now.”

“No, you won’t,” I say. “You are not giving up hockey for me.”

Colver smiles at me.

An actual smile.

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