Page 30 of Puck, Marry, Thrill

“I get where you are going and…”

Jamie cut him off, whirling on him as the last straw snapped within her. Rage set off a storm of tears worthy of a name, just like a hurricane in the Atlantic. She jabbed her finger into his chest, getting in his face, ignoring the fact that he was bigger than her, stronger than her, and probably just as temperamental, and she didn’t care.

“So if I’m an adult, if I’m capable of making decisions, and we speak the same language – why are you not talking to me about things?”

“We are talking…”

“After the fact!”

“Jamie, we need our things…”

“Yes.”

“We need a house…”

“That I’d like to be involved in buying!”

“I wanted to surprise you,” he whispered, staring at her, searching her eyes. “I’m sorry, but it was perfect, and I really wanted to surprise you… not make you angry.”

“And the job?”

“You’re perfect for it – and I would be able to see you more,” he continued in a hushed voice. “I could see both of you more, and I really liked the idea.”

Well, crap.

Jamie sniffled, hiccupped, and stood there looking at him.

“Do you know what talking looks like?” she said tearfully, staring into his eyes. “It’s talking and trusting the one person that you know will always have your back. It’s not because you need their help but because you want to share with them.”

“You’re right,” he said softly, giving her a slight smirk as he cupped her face, touching her cheek. “It’s facing that person even though you knew it was going to piss them off because you had to tell them… and you trust that they will have your back.”

“Quit trying to make this sweet or romantic,” she grumbled – and Kenneth chuckled, pulling her into his arms and hugging her.

Jamie broke.

Those angry tears were melting into horrible sobs. He held her close, smoothing her hair, and kept whispering to her and it was almost like this was a real relationship.

“What’s this? Are you still mad at me? Why are you crying, Jamie…”

“Because…”

“Because ‘why’…” he chuckled softly, kissing the top of her head. “Talk to me. We’re adults that talk, remember?”

“Huh, how convenient…” she retorted and heard his delighted chuckle of amusement that seemed to warm something in her, melting her heart.

“Talk to me, sweetie.”

“Ugh, can we just talk about pet names? I’m not a huge fan of them.”

“So you don’t want me to call you ‘Sweetie’?”

“I didn’t say that,” she muttered – and heaven help her – Kenneth laughed again, hugging her closely. Yeah, this was pretty amazing feeling, and she could have cheerfully stayed here in his arms forever. She felt safe here and knew he would have her back, even if he was a little bossy and pushy sometimes.

“You know someone called the police on me today?” she whispered and felt him stiffen. “I’ve had a really horrible day.”

“The police?”

“Yes.”

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