Page 15 of The Square Up

I collapse on the bed beside her, roll her into my chest, and bury my face in her hair, breathing her in.

Because I have no words to tell herhow I feel, I cradle her in my arms until our breathing slows down.

“You okay?” I whisper.

“I’m perfect.” She sighs, nestling in close.

“That you are.” I kiss her temple.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I do.” I give her a tight squeeze. “Best night of my life, bright eyes.”

“Mine too.” I reach over to turn off the lights.

Abby drapes the sheet over us, tucking herself close to my side. Just as I start to drift off to sleep, I feel the rapid beat of her heart against me.

“What’s on your mind, bright eyes?” I ask softly.

She shivers, burying her face against my shoulder. “It’s going to be hard to leave you.”

“Then don’t.” A warm rush spreads across my cheeks as I hold my breath, waiting for her response. I continue when silence stretches between us, my voice barely above a whisper. “I want you with me, always, Abby. I believe we have something real… a future together.”

“But this isn’t real,” she chokes out, her voice trembling.

“Baby, it is real. What I feel, what you feel—it’s as real as it gets. We have chemistry, Abby. We’re good together; we make each other stronger, wiser.” I hesitate, my heart racing, worrying she won’t believe me. “Stay with me, Abby. Give us a chance.”

“I want to, I really do,” her voice is barely a whisper. “But I’m scared, Kade. I’ve never been lucky in relationships.” She pauses. “And I think it’s because of me.”

I pull her onto my chest. “Baby, don’t be scared. I’ve got you.” I stroke her back. “And you need to know that the reason you’ve never been lucky in relationships is the same reason why I’ve never been lucky in relationships.”

“Why?” A tear rolls across my chest.

“Because we were waiting to find each other.”

She bursts into tears, her voice cracking when she’s finally able to speak. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

Relieved that she hasn’t run away and that I still have a fighting chance to keep her, I hug her close. “Stay with me, bright eyes, and I promise to say something sweet to you every day of your life.”

“Every day?” she sniffles.

“Every day.”

“Okay, let’s try it.”

“You mean it?” I release the air trapped in my lungs. “You’ll stay?”

“I’ll stay.” She kisses me.

“Good.” I sweep my tongue into her mouth. “Now straddle my hips, baby. We’re going to celebrate.”

Chapter Ten

Abby

When I set my briefcase on my desk, a piece of blue paper flutters to the carpet. I bend down to pick it up, a squeeze forming in the center of my chest.

Every day with you is a gift I cherish. You light up my world in ways I never knew were possible. Your laughter is my favorite melody and your smile? It’s my favorite sight. Hurry home. I miss you already. XO

---