Page 110 of Forever To Me

And before I can think about it, before I can talk myself out of it—the words just come out. “You’re stuck with us, Red.”

She goes still. Her eyes widen just a little, searching my face like she’s not sure she heard me right. “Yeah?” she murmurs.

I swallow, my grip tightening around my keys. “Yeah.”

She doesn’t say anything right away. She just looks at me, and for the first time, I think she finally sees what I’ve been too damn stubborn to say out loud.

That she’s not just passing through. That I don’t want her to.

She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, somethingsoft and unreadable in her expression. Then, smirking just enough to break the tension, she bumps her shoulder into mine. “Well, lucky you,” she teases. “I’m pretty good company.”

I chuckle, shaking my head as I push open the door. “Yeah. You are.”

And for the first time in a long time, I know I mean every damn word, but I can’t let the moment get too serious. I nudge her shoulder. “So… how’d you enjoy your life of crime?”

Her steps falter. “What?” She asks it all innocently, pretending not to understand. But I know what they did. And I have to give her crap about it. I've been waiting for the perfect moment to tease her about this. “The pie heist.” I grin, shoving my hands in my pockets. “You, Mack, Cami, Poppy. Disguises. Busted by Sheriff Matthews. Ring any bells?”

Her mouth drops open. “How do you know about that?”

“Sheriff Matthews showed me the footage.” I chuckle. “You should really work on your getaway skills.”

She groans, tipping her head back. “There’s footage?!”

“Oh yeah.” I lean against the doorframe, enjoying this way too much. “My favorite part? You, tripping over a bush while Mack screams, ‘Save the pie!’ like you're both in an action movie.”

She slaps a hand over her face. “Dear God. I’m never showing my face in town again.”

“Too late.” I grin. “A private viewing is scheduled for the next town meeting.”

Her eyes snap to mine. “You’re lying.”

“Nope.” I pull out my phone and pretend to scroll. “Maggie’s bringing popcorn.”

She groans again. “I can't believe it.”

“Believe it. Funny you all thought you could get away with it. You should have known Maggie would get the last laugh.”

Her mouth opens to argue, but she stops. Because she knows I’m right.

The tension shifts again from playful to something heavier. Thicker. We stand in the doorway. Inches apart. The air between us crackles like a live wire.

Her eyes lift to mine. My gaze drops to her mouth.

I know better.

But she’s looking at me like she’s just as wrecked by this as I am. And that’s when I know I’m done for. I lean closer. My hand drifts toward her waist.

She sways toward me, just slightly.

God. I want to kiss her. So damn bad.

"Walker," she breathes.

I swallow hard. "Yeah?"

Her lips twitch, mischief sparking in her eyes. "Next time we rob a pie, you’re driving. Because clearly, I can’t be trusted on foot."

I bark out a laugh, the tension shattering like a dropped dessert. "Deal."

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