Page 81 of Worth the Risk

“I do too.”

“These are me answering your question.”

“Question?”

“Five years ago, when I came over to your place that night you said, and I quote, ‘I know what you’re thinking, am I worth the risk?’”

His smile grows wide, a laugh erupting from his chest.

“You remembered that?”

“Of course I remember that,” I say, grabbing him around the neck and pulling him toward me. “I’ve thought about that question so often all these years, and yes, Austin Blake, you are one hundred percent, undoubtedly worth the risk.”

“What’s going through that pretty head of yours?” Austin runs his hand over my hair, causing me to look up from where my head is resting on his chest.

“Just thinking about the conversation I had with Becca when she came by my apartment after that kiss on the court.”

“Oh?” He shifts a little, his tone changing as well.

“Nothing bad,” I say with a smile, reassuring him. “She was just right is all.”

“About?”

I roll onto my back beside him and stare up at the ceiling.

“She basically told me to get my head out of my ass and deal with my feelings regarding Noah, so I could finally embrace my feelings for you.”

I look over at him, and his smile is contagious.

“So she’s on my side, huh?”

“Uh, no.” I prop myself up on my elbow to look at him. “She’s my best friend. She’s always on my side. But she does like us together.”

“Well, that makes me happy.” He brushes the back of his hand against my cheek softly. “But I also want to make sure you like us together.”

“I do, very much,” I tell him.

“And the fears you expressed before?”

“Still there a little. I’d be lying if I said I don’t worry about how this will impact the future us, but I can’t live like that. You’re my best friend,” I say as we slide closer together, our foreheads touching, “and I can’t think of anything better than being in love with your best friend.”

“Have you told her?”

“Told her what exactly?” I play coy. “That we’re…sleeping together?”

He’s over me in a flash, with my hands pinned above my head.

“You know damn well that’s not what this is.”

“Are you sure, Mr. Stop-Asking-Me-That?” I giggle, reminding him how many times he avoided labeling us.

“You changed the game when you told me you loved me.”

We both smile, staring at each other for a few seconds. I wonder if we’re both feeling the butterflies right now or if it’s just me.

He leans in closer and says, “And we both know I only avoided answering that question because I didn’t want to scare you. If I had it my way,” his lips graze mine, “I would have told you that you’re mine. Always have been, always will be.”

He releases my hands after kissing me but stays on top of me.

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