Page 126 of Never You

His cocky behavior, his handsome smile, the asshole comments, all combined with the big heart that's hidden in his chest. He’s designed for me.

He shoots me a wink, with Lily hanging over his shoulder, and I return it with a half sobbing smile before he gets back to their game. My heart is pounding like it’s trying to escape while the clouds in my head are replaced by sunshine.

“Fuck.” I place my hands in front of my mouth, shocked at the feelings suddenly flying in.

“Are you finally awake?” June smiles.

“I don’t know,” I confess, trying to let my emotions sink in. Suddenly, I feel light as a feather, my blood running through my veins with a throbbing pulse.

“What are you two girls doing?” Nana walks into the kitchen. “Ah, sorting stones. You used to love doing that with your mother, Rae.” She pours herself a cup of coffee, then takes the seat in front of me.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Her eyes widen when she notices the tears on my cheeks, then she looks at her daughter. “Did that jock hurt her? I will hunt him down with his own hockey stick.”

“No, mama. Sheknows.”

“She knows?” A confused look washes Nana's face while June nudges her chin to the window. Nana looks around before quickly twisting it back, the confusion now renewed with a knowing look. “You’re twenty-four hours late to the party, but glad you finally arrived, kid.”

“Thanks, Nana,” I deadpan, before rolling my eyes, then glancing back and forth between both women. “Now, what?”

“Now, you go and tell him,” Nana says matter-of-factly.

Like it’s easy.

“What?” I screech. “No! I’m not just going to head out and tell him I’m in love with him. What if he doesn’t feel the same?”

“You are blinder than a dead man if you honestly don’t see how madly in love he is with you. He’s out there playing with your little sister. If he didn’t feel the same, he would’ve left yesterday. He’s taking every minute he can to stay close to you.”

“Hmm, and he asked you to show him around town yesterday too,” my aunt muses.

“Right! He wouldn’t do that if you were just a booty call,” Nana adds.

“You sound like June now.”

“It’s true,” she replies, bringing her coffee to her lips. “He feels the same, honey. I’m sure. Just go talk to him.”

My mind is running overtime, and the fear keeps me glued to my chair. Thinking about telling him how I really feel freaks me out, while thinking about him leaving leaves me breathless in the worst way.

“Just get it over with already. Give that beaten heart of yours some air to breathe. We’ll be right here.”

I look at the two women closest to me.

When my parents died, they both took on their roles, giving me the next best thing. I trust these women more than anything, and seeing them both encouraging me to put myself out there, to offer Jensen my heart, it gives me the confidence I need. Even though I’m shaking on my legs.

But it isn’t until Nana stares at me with those same brown Bambi eyes, boring into my soul without even trying. “Your mother would’ve wanted you to have what she had with your father. You deserve to be happy, Rae.”

Her words cut me deep, but I believe every one of them. I get up, sucking in a deep breath, holding my body up as my palm stays pressed against the table. I inhale softly, then exhale, doing my best to control my nerves.

Fucking Hell.

“Okay. Wish me luck.”

They both give me a supportive nod, and I take my wobbly legs into the yard. Opening the back door, I notice Lily on the grass with her favorite doll, without Jensen.

“Hey, bubba. Where is Jensen?”

Her blonde head pops up, looking at me with her bright eyes. “He’s on the phone.” She points to the gate that leads to the front yard, and I walk around the house to find him. He’s standing next to my car, his phone pressed to his ear, his back toward me. His hard back makes me want to wrap my arms around him and press my cheek against him, but instead, I wait until he’s done with his phone call.

“Fine. Yes. I understand.” He hangs up the phone, then turns around.

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