Page 126 of Going All In

“Can you forgive me?” she asked, peering up at him.

“I probably forgave you as soon as I walked out of your apartment. I was just trying to figure out how to get you to come to your senses,” he said, brushing his lips across hers and loving the soft gasp that escaped her mouth.

“My mother suggested a grand gesture”

“Oh man. You told her? How much did you tell her?” he asked, only imagining how that conversation could’ve gone.

“I told her the truth: that we started a fake relationship, that I ended it, and that I’d messed everything up. She was hurt that I lied. I feel awful about that, but we had a talk, and I think we finally understand each other a little better.”

He squeezed her tight. “I’m glad you were able to tell her the truth. Not that we need to tell anyone else that for a split second this wasn’t real.”

“No. There’s no reason to. I only confessed because it tumbled out. There’s no need to hurt anyone else.”

“You did the right thing. What was her suggestion?” He couldn’t wait to hear this.

She laughed. “I stopped her before she could get too carried away, but she suggested hiring a skywriter, or getting the entire family to show up at a game with signs about how amazing you are. There were a lot of suggestions. And I did want to thank you for giving my dad and brother those tickets, even after everything.”

He shrugged. “No problem. I’m kind of bummed that I didn’t get a grand gesture.”

“Next time,” she said. He didn’t miss the teasing in her voice.

“There isn’t going to be a next time because we are going to talk through any freak-outs first. I’m not walking away from you, Darcy. You can’t make me—ever.”

“Why are you so amazing?” she asked, her smile wide, her tear-streaked cheeks begging for him to kiss away all her doubts.

“Because you bring it out in me,” he said, then lowered his head and poured everything he had into their kiss.

---