Page 65 of Crash

For the first time in almost two weeks, I can breathe.

CHAPTER 37

VIVI

“Lucas Clark, for almost two weeks, I’ve called you every day only to have you ignore my voice mails and text messages. I’m not perfect, Luke. I made a mistake. I was a coward because I let someone else’s relationship dictate ours. If I could go back in time, I would have gone to that party on your arm. I would have told all our families that we were together, but I didn’t. I was a spineless jellyfish and for that I’m sorry. I’m here asking you to forgive me and take me back.” I stop talking and take a deep breath. Luke stands up and opens his mouth to speak, but I hold my hands up.

“You laid your cards on the table that night, so it’s my turn now. Lucas Michael Clark, I am in love with you. I’ve been lying to myself for weeks. I tried to convince myself what we had was just sex, but it’s so much more, Luke. It’s this all-consuming, crazy, I don’t even recognize myself, love. I never thought I’d have that. I never wanted it. I was scared of it, but I’m not with you. I love you, Luke. If you give me a chance—”

Before I can finish my speech, he cuts me off.

“Shut up,” he says, coming around to the front of his desk. “Just shut up.” Ready to fight for him, I open my mouth, but he surprises me when he opens his arms. “Shut up and get over here. I’ve missed you so fucking much.”

It takes a few seconds for his words to register, but when they do, I run across the room and fly into his arms. The minute our bodies make contact, he’s lifting me off the ground and his lips are on mine. Feeling like I’m home for the first time in twelve days, I lose myself in that kiss.

After kissing for what feels like hours, we break apart, both of us panting and searching for our next breath.

“Why the hell didn’t you return any of my calls, Lucas?” I ask, gently slapping him on the chest. “I’ve been going crazy. Were you punishing me?”

“No, but I thought absence would make the heart grow fonder. I was a fool, but Travis threw my phone in the toilet when we were in Arizona. I’ve been without a phone for five days. It’s been hell.”

He leans down and kisses the top of my head. I press my head into his chest and inhale.

“You smell so good,” I say against his chest. “I’ve missed your smell.”

“I’ve missed everything about you. Even your snoring.”

“I don’t snore,” I say against him, unwilling to let go. He lifts me and walks back to his chair. In an instant, I’m sitting on his lap. I kiss him again and slide both hands underneath his sweater. I pull his t-shirt out of his jeans, but he grabs my hands and pulls them away.

“We have to get some things straight. First, this is not going to be a secret. I want everybody to know about us. That includes your family, my family, and everyone who works here.”

“I want that too. I’m sorry I ever hurt you, Luke.”

“I know, and I forgive you. I understand fear, Vivi. I was scared for two years. Then you came along, and all was right with my world again.”

For the first time in almost two weeks I laugh.

“Hardly. We did nothing but antagonize each other for two years. Let’s not rewrite history,” I say against his chest.

“Yeah, but antagonizing you gave me purpose,” he says, and I laugh again.

“And you haven’t heard the second thing I have to say. Listen up because this is the good part.” As I wait for him to speak, he tells me to look at him. I look up to find his eyes more intense than ever before.

“I love you, too.”

The tears fall down my face at his declaration. He pulls me closer and whispers the words over and over again against my hair.

“This is the best day,” I finally croak out. “I want to stay in your arms, but Colleen’s going to kill me. I told her I’d be right back.”

“Come on, then. I’ll walk you back to your desk. I’ll tell Colleen you were talking to the boss.” He stands up, sets me on the ground, intertwines our fingers, and escorts me out of his office.

Colleen’s eyes bulge out of her head when she sees us, but she gives me a wink as she stands up to walk away.

“Tonight, I’m taking you home so you can pack a bag. I want you to come home with me for the weekend. We’ll have the house to ourselves since the parental units won’t be back until Sunday night. We’ll go out for dinner and then go home. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect,” I say shyly.

He kisses my hand before walking back to his office.

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