Page 164 of The Off-Limits Play

Remember how much he hurt you!

Clearing my throat, I step into his space, trying to hide my chaotic emotions. Fear and anger are at full-blown war with hope and joy. I don’t know if I want to throw up or giggle.

Hooking my fingers behind his neck, I go for humor and put on a Russian accent. “Well, hello, Mr. Bond.”

He snickers and rests his hands on my hips. His touch is tentative, like he’s waiting for me to push him away at any second, but does he have any idea how hard my heart is beating right now? I can practically hear it screamingI love you!I know I should let you go, but I don’t know how!

Carson seems oblivious to the wailing in my chest, so I try to keep it light, not wanting to scare him off or give in too damn easily. He did hurt me, and I can’t just open up my chest and hand my heart back to him so swiftly.

Why is he really here?

Why is he dancing with me?

The questions crowd out my brain, making me antsy, and I end up huffing. “Seriously. What are you wearing?”

He looks down at himself, obviously surprised by my question. “It’s called a suit.” His lips twitch. “I look good, right?”

“No.”

“What? You don’t like the suit?” His face is adorably injured, and I can’t help laughing at him.

“The suit is gorgeous, and you look very handsome in it, but…” I tip my head to study him. “You’re way hotter in your leather jacket, ripped-up jeans, and scuffed boots.”

He stares at me, and I can’t help smiling, then brushing my fingers through his wooden hair.

I wrinkle my nose. “How much product did you use?”

“I wanted to look good for you.”

My chest goes all soft and squishy, my eyes starting to smart as I take in his face again. There’s something different about him—a softness that wasn’t there before. Or maybe it’s a calm. His eyes look clear, bright, like he’s seeing everything and isn’t about to start fighting it with snarky comments and two fists.

Brushing my thumb across his neck, I gently tell him, “I didn’t need you to change for me, Carson. I loved you just the way you were.”

His eyebrows pucker, his jaw clenching tight.

“I don’t need you to become someone else. I just wanted you to be with me. To choose me. To let me in.” My breath catches, and my chaotic heart is threatening a fresh round of tears.

I can’t do that here with all these people around, so I take the easy way out and spin, ready to walk out into the cold, dark night and?—

Carson catches my wrist, his voice strong and urgent. “I choose you.”

I still, the world around me fading as I glance back over my shoulder and take in his steady gaze.

“Every time, over everything else, I choose you.”

My heart stops beating for a second, and all I can do is blink at him.

“I’m miserable without you.” His gaze softens even more, glowing with tender affection as he gently tugs me forward and cinches me around the waist. I let him drag me against him, unable to take my eyes off his face… and that look in his eyes. “I couldn’t just stay the way I was. I needed to become a better man for you. And that’s what I’ve been working on. All of it. It’s all for you.”

Holy shit, his face right now.

This emotion blooms in my chest, big and beautiful, overpowering my ability to speak. The tide is turning and hope—beautiful, powerful hope—is taking out all my defenses.

“You inspire me to be my best self, and I’m so grateful for that, Nylah. And I’m ready. I’m ready for us now. I’m all in.” A flash of uncertainty skitters over his expression. “I mean, I still have to keeping working, you know? There’s more. But… I’m ready to let you be a part of it. If you… if you want me back.” He swallows, and I swear I’m not gonna be able to contain myself for much longer.

My lips start to tremble, and I pull them into a tumultuous smile, trying to control the happy tears that are swelling my throat.

He wants me.

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