Page 227 of Skate the Line

“You lied?” I whisper.

He nods slowly with a tight jaw. I stare at the cut on his cheek, and guilt hits me.

“I said you were the only one who broke your promise.”

I glance away.

I did break my promise. Even if my intentions were valid, it hurt me all the same.

His thumb and first finger land on my chin. He turns my face so I’m forced to look at him again.

My eyes are watery, but so are his.

I’ve never seen him so…vulnerable.

“I lied.” He swallows thickly. “I promised I wouldn’t fall in love with you, and I did.”

My heart beats so hard I press my hand against my chest.

“I understand now why you made me promise not to fall in love with you. I understand why you left too.” He cups both sides of my face with his hands.

“You do?” I choke out.

He nods. “You’re scared, Sunshine. He made you think that love is dangerous. You’re terrified to have someone love you because of what he’s done.”

My nose scrunches while I try to hold back my emotions.

“And I was terrified to love someone because I didn’t think I had room for that in my life…my heart.” Rhodes rubs the pad of his thumb over my cheekbone, and my face presses into his hand. “After you ran, I realized that the only thing I’m truly terrified of is losing you.”

I open my mouth, but he shakes his head.

“I love you, Sunny.”

Before I can even ask how Ellie feels about this, he stops me.

“Ellie loves you.Welove you.”

A choked noise leaves me, and a tear slips over the side of my face.

“Tell me you trust me enough to keep you safe,” he pleads. “Tell me that I’m deserving of your heart.” His hands tighten against my face, and I can’t speak. “Tell me you love me too. Please.”

I do.

God, I do.

I nod quickly and gather myself enough to form a sentence.

“I didn’t leave because I didn’t trust you enough to keep me safe,” I say. “I left because I wanted to keep you and Ellie safe. You two are my home, Rhodes. I had to protect it.”

He shuts his eyes before bringing his lips to my forehead.

“You’re the most deserving man I know,” I whisper.

I close my eyes, relishing in his kiss against my skin. “And I do love you. Ellie too.”

His chest heaves, and then his mouth is on mine. My back presses against the wall beside Nana’s room, and we kiss for so long my lips are swollen when we finally break apart.

I stare into his green eyes, and though there are still things we have to discuss, I feel complete. He and Ellie make me whole.

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