Page 145 of The Chance

It’s irrational to think that, considering how he’s chosen to spend every waking minute since he came back to me, but the fear is real. It stabs inside my chest, slicing me open with all the things from my past, reminding me of every time that things didn’t work out.

Of all the times someone didn’t come back.

“Tyro.”

Blowing out a breath, I put the car in park and turn to him.

Despite everything, there’s a soft smile on his face, something I don’t think has left him since he woke up, when he reaches for me. Our hands clasp over the center console, his grip sure and warm. I’m still not used to it, him reaching for me like this leaving my organs tumbling over themselves, and I honestly don’t ever want to.

Because if I never get used to this, then I’ll never take it for granted.

“I’m good. It’s gonna be fine.”

My stomach flips, filling with little fluttering tingles.

“I know,” I mutter and do a sweep of our surroundings before lifting his knuckles and pressing a kiss to the backs of each one.

“My little romantic baby.”

I snort. “Little?”

His brow jumps and his grin morphs into a smirk. “Not little.”

My chest swells.

I’ll always choose you.

“C’mon, Tyro. Let’s get cleared.”

He’s bursting from the car a moment later and I’m following after him with sparks lighting down my spine.

“Mac, hey.”

Snagging his wrist, I pull him to a stop in the middle of the empty parking garage.

He cocks a brow at me, his eyes as clear as day as they assess me, his smile restored to its original brilliance so bright it takes my breath.

“You’re staring.”

I nod, agreeing as I step closer. Close enough that the toes of my boots meet his Chucks. Our fingers interlock. The backs of my free fingers brush over his cheek.

“I can’t wait.”

Green-blue eyes soften as they dance between mine.

“For what?” he whispers near soundlessly.

The corner of my lips tip up before pressing to his. I don’t linger, though I want to. Instead, I pull back just enough that all I see is him.

All I’ve ever seen is him since the moment I laid eyes on him. I know that now. That there was no other way for this to end up. No universe exists without him and me. No story where the two of us don’t make our own ending, together.

No way we don’t exist just like this.

Mac and me.

“I love you.”

His eyes flare wide, a gasp echoing off the concrete.

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