Page 82 of Falling Together

“I’ll be careful. I promise.”

“Good.” Marisol wiggled her eyebrows. “Now tell me more about this amazing sex.”

They both laughed and everything went back to normal as Blair gave Marisol a play-by-play, making sure to make itverydetailed just to drive Marisol a little bit crazy.

***

That night at dinner, everyone was acting a little too interested in Erin, and Blair hoped Erin didn’t realize it. It wasn’t that she didn’t want her family and friends to get to know Erin, but more that she felt like they were interrogating her.

When she rode back to Erin’s with her and Nolan that night, she thought about bringing it up, but wasn’t sure what to say. It was still all she could think about as they put Nolan to bed together, then both got ready and fell into Erin’s bed.

As Blair stared up at the ceiling, Erin scooted close to her and began to kiss her neck. As good as it felt, Blair wasn’t in the mood for birthday sex. It wasn’t Erin’s fault, and it’s not like she was mad at her. She just had a lot on her mind.

After a few seconds, Erin pulled away from her. “Is everything okay?”

Blair tried her best to give her the most reassuring smile she could, then reached out and squeezed her hand. “Everything is great.”

Erin sat up slightly and rested her head in her hand. “Since when do you lie to me? I can tell something is bothering you.”

Blair sighed. “It has nothing to do with you.” She shook her head, because thatactuallywas a lie. “Okay, I mean, it does. But it’s nothing you did wrong.”

“Please tell me what’s going on. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

Blair rolled onto her side so she could stare at Erin. As she studied the contours of her face and the little crease that formed on her forehead when she was worried, she realized that Marisol was right. She wasn’t justfallingfor Erin anymore. She was head over heels in love with her. “I think that’s what I’m afraid of. Getting hurt.”

Erin pointed to herself. “You thinkI’llhurtyou?” She asked as if it was a completely foreign concept that she could hurt someone.

“I like you so much, Erin, and I’m starting to worry that you’ll never let yourself feel the same.”

Erin scooted even closer to her now, the heat of her body making Blair uncomfortable in the best way possible. “See, that’s the thing. Idofeel the same. I like you so much too. No matter how much I try to fight it, and trust me, I’ve tried, I can’t stop myself from falling for you harder and harder.”

Blair wanted to tell Erin how she really felt. She wanted to confess that she was in love with her and had no doubt she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she worried if she let them out now, she might scare Erin away. Erin had good reason to believe that people don’t always stick around just because they say they will. The problem was Blair was running out of ways to show her that she wasn’t one of those people. When she said forever, she actually meant it. “Why are you still trying to fight it?”

“I don’t want to.”

Blair wasn’t sure if that was an observation or a promise, but it was good enough for now. She leaned in and brought her lips to Erin’s, letting herself fully enjoy this moment with the love of her life.

***

The next morning, after waking her up to breakfast in bed and a birthday card that Nolan claimed he had spent hours making, they got dressed for an activity that still hadn’t been revealed to Blair.

Blair tickled Nolan’s side as they walked to the car. “Come on, buddy. Just one hint. Tell me what we’re doing.”

Nolan shook his head. “Mommy told me I’m not allowed to say.”

And since when do you actually listen?Blair thought to herself. “But it’s my birthday weekend, and I’m sad because you’re keeping a secret from me. Please tell me.” Blair pushed her bottom lip out in an exaggerated frown.

Nolan looked at Erin, who was walking far enough ahead of them not to hear their conversation, then looked back at Blair. “Okay. I tell you.” His eyes went wide, but his smile went even wider. “We going to a carnival. There’s rides and games and it’s like a big arcade.” When he said big, he motioned with his hands dramatically. “And we love arcades. Right, Bear?”

“That’s right, buddy, we do.” The truth was, carnivals were one of Blair’s favorite things, but she didn’t remember ever sharing that with Erin. She scooped a giggling Nolan into her arms and ran with him to catch up to her. “Did I tell you how much I like carnivals? Because I don’t remember having that conversation.”

Erin looked confused at first, but when the realization hit her, the look of confusion became one of annoyance. “Really, Nolan? You promised me you wouldn’t tell.”

“Bear was sad.”

“Manipulating my son, huh?” Erin looked at Blair and shook her head. It was clear she was trying to keep a straight face, but she cracked a smile within seconds.

Blair shrugged. “I decided to go for the easier target.”

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