Page 154 of Tortured Tones

Nights together knocked on my heart,

We tried so hard to stay apart.

We defied all the rules,

I crossed all the lines just for you.

As I kiss you on the lips,

My butterflies keep doin’ backflips.

I know you are . . .

The best mistake I’ve ever made.

Some say we were a huge mistake,

That I should’ve walked away.

But after everything we’ve been through,

Survived the weather, me and you.

I know one thing to be true.

You are . . .

The best mistake I’ve ever made.

I cradled the back of Ava’s head and hovered my lips two inches from her mouth. “You and Charlotte are the best mistakes I’ve ever made and have now turned into the best things in my life.” I kissed the tear from Ava’s cheek. “I love you.”

I’d never known what I was missing until Charlotte and Ava came along. I’d locked myself away from getting close to anyone after being hurt too many times. But now I had found love again, I planned on never letting it go.

Ava nodded and sniffled. “No more mistakes. Let’s just be happy. Together.”

“I’d like that.” I nodded to the guys. “Thank you.”

“Any time, bud.” Slip placed his guitar aside. “I’m stoked you two sorted your shit out and are together. But damn, Cole, I’m gonna miss you doing vodka shots out of girls’ cleavages.”

“It’ll just have to be Ava’s.” I changed arms, holding Charlotte. She was growing too fast...and getting heavier. I shook my dead arm; it tingled from lack of blood circulation. Worth it.

“I’m down for that.” Ava threaded her arm around my waist, then tapped my ass. “I don’t mind if you do the occasional one on girls but only if I can do the same out of guys’ crotches or waistbands or off their sexy abs.”

“What?” My eyebrows shot skyward.

She tucked her hand into the back pocket of my jeans. A sexy glint skipped across her eyes. “Body shots are fun. As long as I’m the only one you make out with and fuck, it’s fine.”

“Wow.” The breath rushed from my lungs. “There is a lot I don’t know about you, Ms. Matthews. But damn, I can’t wait to learn everything.”

She rubbed Charlotte’s leg. “How about we put the kids to bed, and we go test out that hot tub on the deck? I want a trial run of the benefits that come with the job offer to help me decide.”

“Hmm.” I brushed my lips against hers. “There might be some heated negotiations and bribery and corruption involved.”

“I expect nothing less.”

“Oh my God, I love you.”

“Careful Cole . . .” Tia drained her bourbon and gave me a heartfelt smile. “You might have found your perfect match.”