Page 23 of Sunflowers and Surrender

She pulls back from me, and my heart is suddenly in my throat. Is it too late?I’ll fucking beg if I have to.

“You sound like you’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“Baby, I think about little else. I never want you to think you aren’t worth the risk. It’s just a big step for me, committing to a long-term relationship. It’s not just the fear of losing all of you. I needed to be sure I wouldn’t hurt you. I know I’m going to screw this up. Look at what I’ve done to you already.” I hang my head in shame, praying she’ll have mercy on me and give me a chance.

I barely get the words out, and my sweet girl is flinging herself at me. Her kiss nearly knocks the lighted ornamental tree beside us to the ground.

“Come home with me?” I moan against her plush mouth.

“Yes.”

“Get your things. I’ll have the car waiting at the front.”

“Okay.”

“And, Sunny…”

“Yes.”

“You better keep a chair between you and that date of yours when you say goodbye. If I see one more man with his hands on you, there will be no keeping our relationship secret. Because my fucking mug shot will be plastered all over the evening news when I’m arrested for murder.”

Chapter 16

Tuesday

I can’t believe this is happening. When I set this plan in motion, I hoped but never truly believed he’d take the bait. But he seems so sincere. Looking down at our entwined hands, it feels surreal after all these years.

As if he’s heard my thoughts, he lifts my hand to his mouth and places a chaste kiss on my knuckles. “You look incredible, Sunny.”

“Thank you,” my words come out tremulous. I don’t know if I’m feeling overcome by the magnitude of these events, the fact I’m headed to his place, or worry that it’ll just end the way the other times have gone. I’m not sure I’ll survive him walking away again.

“Are you okay?”

I nod, deciding we’ve had enough talk for one night. I have to acknowledge this and try to have faith. Although my worry is, the truth will reveal itself in the morning.

We arriveat Alex’s apartment, and he quickly jumps out of his truck and comes to my door to help me down. As he takes my hand, it dawns on me. “All of my things are at Ricky’s place. I was going to go there with Grace after the gala.”

“What do you need? If it’s something important, I can drive over and get it.”

Looking down at my dress, I pop my hip. “I don’t have anything else to wear.”

He pulls me into his strong, muscular arms. “That’s fine by me.”

As much as I’ve dreamed of this moment, I don’t want to have to put this back on in the morning.

“I’m teasing, babe. You can wear one of my shirts. Just message Grace and ask her to leave your bag by the door and I’ll swing by early and get it.”

“Are you sure? Grace will know where I was all night.” I say each word succinctly, so there’s no doubt he understands what I’m saying.

With a stern expression, he grabs my hands and takes a step back. “I want to get something very clear. I’m not hiding a relationship with you because I’m embarrassed. I’ll shout it off the rooftops once we’ve told your brother. I only want the chance to actually be in a relationship with you before we share it with other people. So long as Grace will give us the opportunity to enjoy being a couple before she out’s us, I don’t care if she knows.”

A couple. I’m stunned. I don’t realize how obvious it is that I’m speechless until I feel Alex close my mouth, lifting my chin with his index finger.

“I know I’ve let you down. I really care about you. This is new for me. I want to get this right.”

Wrapping my arms around his waist, I rest my cheek against his chest. His heart sounds as if it’s mimicking mine, galloping like a racehorse. I feel his hand stroking my hair before he lays a gentle kiss on the top of my head.

“And don’t be worried about staying with me. I just want to hold you. We don’t have to do anything more until you’re ready.”

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