Page 44 of Bound and Blitzed

“You married me because you wanted to do something selfless,” I remind him.

He smirks. “Sweetheart, I’m not that altruistic. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t like the way I feel in your presence, if I wasn’t attracted to you, if I didn’t feel like there’s something here.” He gestures between us. “I always knew I’d leave it up to you if we act on it…but I want to. I want to act on all the things I feel for you. Shutting you out isn’t an option anymore; it wasn’t working anyway. So, Lena, will you give me—us, a chance?”

I lose myself in his gray eyes. They’re simultaneously stormy and serene, which doesn’t make any sense and yet, that doesn’t make it any less true. Nothing about Avery and me makes sense and still, this tug between us persists.

Dane flickers through my mind. Sweet words and hurtful actions.

Betrayal and pain and shame.

But Avery isn’t Dane.

I exhale slowly. “Yes.”

A broad smile crosses Avery’s mouth. “Yes,” he repeats.

I nod.

“Tomorrow, we tell your parents we’re married. For real.”

“For real,” I agree. “And we call Abuela.”

“Yes. And we rework our schedules, so we spend more time together, prioritize each other and our marriage.”

“Yes,” I promise, feeling nearly giddy at the prospect. This is what I want—a partner who wants to be in it with me. Not just for the good times or fun parts—but along for the ride, whatever comes our way.

Even though my marriage with Avery may not be forever, right now, we’re treating it as much. And that’s more than I hoped for when he slid my wedding band on my finger. This is progress.

“I care about you, Valentina. I mean that. I’m not a hearts-and-rainbows kind of man but being with you makes me want to try to be the things I’m not.” Avery’s thumb brushes over my knuckles as he says the most beautiful—and honest—words I’ve ever heard.

“I care about you, too,” I murmur. As I blink back the swell of emotion that glistens in my eyes, I try to smile. “Probably more than I should.”

He shakes his head. “Too muchis never a bad thing.”

I squeeze his fingers in agreement.

Avery’s eyes hold mine. A tenderness sweeps his expression, softening the lines in his face.

“Here you go.” The server drops off our check, breaking the moment.

I giggle nervously, easing back in my seat and releasing Avery’s hand. He smirks at me, not at all bothered by the interruption. He plucks up the check and settles it quickly, tapping his watch. “Want to go ice-skating?”

My mouth falls open. “Now?”

“What happened to fun and spontaneous?” He arches a questioning eyebrow.

“Yes, but we talked and…”

“And? I still want to be with you, Lena.”

“Okay. Yes. Let’s go ice-skating,” I agree, excitement filling my veins. I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to an activity this much. But I look forward to all the time I spend with Avery.

We leave the restaurant and walk across Market Square to wait in line for the skating pond. When it’s our turn, Avery holds my hand, and we glide onto the ice.

He wobbles and I grip his hand harder. “Do you know how to ice-skate?” I question.

He snorts and bumps his hip against mine. “Barely.”

I laugh. “Don’t worry. I got you.”

---