Page 114 of Beyond the Hate

“You have to work on jumping to conclusions when you hear me speak out of context. If you’re worried or concerned, you ask. You don’t get scared and run. On my part, I will not try to surprise you with a party again.”

“I promise to work on jumping to conclusions. And I won’t run again. I trust you. I latched onto your words as an excuse because I was afraid. Falling in love is terrifying.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Really? I didn’t find it terrifying at all.”

Hope lights his blue eyes. “Does this mean you love me?”

“Of course, I love you. I would have broken one of these plates over your head if I didn’t.”

“Speaking of plates…”

“Why? Why are we speaking of plates? Why aren’t you ravishing me?”

He moans. “I want to. Trust me, I want nothing more in the world.”

“But…”

“All of our friends should be showing up any minute now.”

My brow furrows. “All of our friends?”

“Lucas, Flynn, and Hudson wanted me to do a grand gesture. I refused but they insisted on at least having a party.”

“What about Caleb? Is he not in favor of grand gestures?”

“Nah. He was more in favor of kicking my ass.”

I smile. “Remind me to thank him later.”

“Troublemaker.” He reaches for me but freezes. “Do I have permission to touch you?”

I jump into his arms. “Yes.”

“Thank fuck,” he mutters before his lips mold to mine. I sigh as his flavor hits me. I missed this. I missed him. I thought I lost it all. I’ve never been happier to be wrong. And I hate being wrong.

The door bangs open and I wrench my lips from Eli’s.

“Awesome!” Chloe shouts. “They made up.”

Sophia pushes her. “You know they made up. You were watching through the keyhole.”

Eli chuckles. “Your friends are nuts.”

“Our friends.”

“Our friends,” he repeats. “I love you, Lace.”

“And I love you.”

Chapter 33

“New rule. No promising to beat people up at a party.” ~ Eli

Eli

Paisley steps away from me but I snatch her arm and bring her close. I’m not letting her get far away from me ever again. I can’t breathe when I’m away from her.

Her friends approach with their partners. I smile at them. The women wave, but the men appear pissed.

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