Page 78 of Love Her

“Did you wear this outfit on purpose?”

“I thought maybe we could have a do-over.”

That isn’t what I want. I hate the time we’ve wasted but without it, I wouldn’t have come to terms with my issues. Grant was right. I am a runner. And avoidance is my comfort zone. At least that’s what my new counselor says. TJ was right. Talking it out does help.

“Lis, I’m so sorry. I overreacted and should’ve let you explain. I can never express how much regret I have for losing these weeks with you.”

Tears fill her eyes and her bottom lip quivers, but she doesn’t speak. We’ve stopped moving, standing here in the middle of the dance floor.

“I told you I was a mess, Connor. Here,” she touches her head, “and here.” With her hand on her chest the first tear falls. My mouth goes dry, a dampness filling in my eyes. She did. She told me, and I didn’t take care of either part of her. If anything, I added to the mess she thinks exists.

“You are not a mess, baby. Quite the contrary. I think you’re amazing and perfect, and I was too caught up in my own shit and took the first sign of discord to run. But, I’m tired of running, Lis.”

Running my thumbs across her cheeks, I wipe the tears freely falling. Cupping her cheeks, I tilt her head so she’s looking at me. The sadness in her eyes cuts me deep. I’ve done this to her. I let her down.

“Will you come to my place so we can talk?”

Nodding her head, I take her hand and move away from the other dancers. Glancing at Taylor, he nods his head and places a kiss to Scarlett’s lips before moving toward the bar. Without another word, I lead Lis through the bar and out the back door. We make it to my door in no time at all. When the door closes behind us, I take a step, but a knock stops me in my tracks. Flinging the door open, I start to say something, but a purse hangs in front of me and a smirk on Ashton’s face. Grabbing Lis’s purse, I lift the corner of my lips in thanks and close the door again.

Lis hasn’t moved, her back is still to me. Moving to stand behind her, I place my hands on her hips. “Do you want something to drink?” A shake of her head. “Come sit with me.”

Once we’re settled on the couch, I take her hand in mine, tracing my thumb across her knuckles.

“How have you been?”

“Okay. Dealing with lawyers and trying to explain to my kids what is happening to their dad has been less than ideal.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you.”

“It isn’t your responsibility.”

I turn to face her, ready to lay it all out on the line. She shifts to match my position, lifting her hand ready to nibble on that thumbnail, when I grab her hand.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. I’m the one trying to grovel. If anyone should be nervous, it’s me.”

Grinning, she nods her head in understanding.

“Do you remember the first night we met?”

“I do.”

“There was something about you from the moment my eyes fell on you. All I could think was how dynamic you were. Without doing anything but smiling and dancing, I was enamored. But then you walked out the door. I wasn’t sure who you were or where you came from. Then, like some sort of divine intervention, you were there. Working for Brian. My sister says it’s serendipity. That the universe wants us together.”

“What do you think?”

Shifting closer, I cup her cheek, searching her eyes for any reason not to confess it all. I see nothing but hope and adoration.

“I think it doesn’t matter why you’re in my world, I only know I never want you to leave. Somewhere along the way of watching you stomp your boots across a dance floor to kicking my ass at mini golf, I fell in love with you.”

Gasping, her eyes widen in shock. That shock quickly morphs to the smile that sets my soul on fire. The unfiltered, joyful, full-face smile makes her the most beautiful woman in the world.

“You . . . you love me?”

“I do.”

“I love you too.”

Relief washes over me. I can’t contain myself any longer and crash my lips to hers.

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