Page 71 of Fated Shot

“Did you mean to call me that?” I’m trying my best to keep my voice steady, but determined to pry deeper into his non-answer.

The word took me by complete surprise, a confetti cannon of butterflies erupting in my stomach the moment he said it, but as he pulled me close to him, I realized how much I liked the sound of it.

If it was some kind of slip or just him trying to get Max Dunn off my case or something, I don’t know if I can handle it. I try to hide the concern in my expression as I wait.

His sapphire blue eyes pierce into me.

“You don’t even know the power you have over me, do you?” He sighs, his hand brushing a curl behind my ear. “How incredible you are, how much I’ve thought about this, about us.”

“You don’t date, you like to be alone.” It’s accusatory again. I really just love pushing him away and ruining perfect moments, clearly.

“I don’t want to be alone anymore, Mia.”

“It’ll be hard, though, with your schedule, you’ll be away half the time. I’ve seen how much of a toll it can take on relationships; it’s hard work. Are you sure you want that?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything else in my entire life.”

“There’s a lot of temptation, too, you’ll be on the road… I’ve seen the way girls throw themselves at you.” A tinge of insecurity weighs in my gut.

He shakes his head, not an ounce of anger or disappointment at my words, only understanding as he looks deeply into my eyes.

“I understand why that’s a concern for you, but you don’t ever have to worry about that. I would never do anything to risk losing you.”

“But what if I’m not enough for you?” I really don’t mean to be this needy, but if we’re going to be partners here, I need to lay it all out there—dirty laundry and all.

His eyes widen as he holds my face in his hands.

“You’re everything. Nothing else matters, I wish you could see that. Nothing else ever mattered until I met you.”

His words work their way through my body, easing the tension that started to build in anticipation of a letdown. Jack doesn’t let me down; I should know this by now. Every step, every turn, he’s there, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It feels surreal, like nothing I had ever imagined I would experience, but at the same time, it’s the most natural thing in the world.

The craziest part about his words? I believe them.

“Promise me you’ll tell me if you get bored or if you don’t want this anymore. If you don’t wantmeanymore.”

“That’s not going to happen, Mia. You’re mine until the moment you choose not to be.” There’s something indiscernible in his expression, a mix of concern or maybe fear, but all tenderness.

Who knew such a simple statement could be so loaded? Until I choose not to be? It’s one of the scariestthoughts that’s ever crossed my mind because I’m starting to think there won’t ever be a reason I’d decide that. Jack Brody will either be my everything or destroy me—there’s no in-between.

He continues evaluating me after his words, but I just snuggle into him. He sighs happily, kisses the top of my head, and repeats, “My girlfriend,” as he wraps me tighter.

We both wake up to the sound of my alarm, perfectly intertwined. I’m lying in the crook of his shoulder and chest, with my leg draped over him. Bean has somehow squished between us and is snoring peacefully, belly up.

“Morning, Wyndham.” Even hoarse, his voice sounds as perfect as he is.

“BFG,” I reply, smiling happily.

He chuckles, carefully repositioning Bean to stabilize him on the comforter as he stretches his body. I watch every muscle in his arms expand and contract with his movements.

“I’m going to miss you two.” It hits me that he’ll be leaving soon, and he’s gone for most of the week this time.

“We’re going to miss you, too,” I reply, a wave of sadness hitting me. I don’t know what else to say to avoid sounding as clingy as I feel.

“It’s not forever, you know.”

I nod. “Just ‘till Friday.”

When he chuckles, it echoes throughout my apartment, no doubt a result of the minimal furniture.

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