Page 72 of Waiting for Sunshine

“Um, no. Actually…” he answers, tossing the cup in the garbage bin by the door.

“Max, If you hadn’t left me on that sidewalk that night, and avoided me for days, you would have heard exactly what I wanted. You wouldn’t have had to wonder at all if you were doing the right thing, or if it was what would make me happy because I had planned to tell you all along.” I say, the look on his face is still nervous.

“I never wanted to leave you. I only came here because being in that town without being withyouwas too hard.” I say, beginning to see the brave shell he wears like armor crack. “I want to work at the bar and deal with Lenny’s crazy ass and listen to Tucker complain when we don’t bring him coffee. I want to fall asleep listening to your irregular heartbeat and make breakfast with you and Riley. I want to ruin every possible surface of your house and bar with you. I want you and Riley to watch me paint in the studio you gave me until my stomach starts growling.

“Then when you make me the best burger I’ve ever had and I’m stuffing my face with french fries, I want to talk about all the random bullshit in life whether it matters or not. Because whatever I’m doing, I’ll be happy as long as I’m yours. I love you, Max. I’ve loved you for longer than you know.” I tell him, tears welling in my eyes.

“Say it again, baby.” He pleads as he grabs each side of my face, tears beginning to fall from his eyes.

“I love you, Max,” I say again, staring into his gorgeous blue eyes.

“I love you, Sunshine.” He says, before bringing his lips into mine. He sweeps me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. When I remember something he said, I pull away and look down at him curiously.

“Wait, you said youdidn’tcome here with iced coffee to win me back?” I look at him with a raised brow. He sets my feet back on the ground before clearing his throat and answering me.

“Right. I uh... I didn’t come with just iced coffee…”

“Do you have Toaster Strudel hiding somewhere?” I laugh, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Not exactly.” He cocks his head to the side. “I’m sure you remember the first day we met. Today being a jolting reminder and all.” He says, holding a hand out to my shirt.

“Yes, of course, I remember,” I smile, reminiscing on the day.

“Well, I remember you standing in the middle of the sidewalk that day for some reason. So I took a walk on that side of town one day when I was missing you, and it hit me. I know why you were standing there.” He answers, grinning over at me.

“Oh? And why was that?” I tease. He couldn’t possibly know.

“You were picturing your art studio there.” He answers, making my heart drop to my feet.

“How did you–” I start.

“Because I can see it too, Sunshine.” He grabs my hand in his. “The paintings you could display, the classes you could teach. Whatever you wanted to do. You could accomplish it there.” His answer brings a smile to my face. This man knows me so damn well, big dreams and all.

“So, I bought it.” My eyes grow wide. Did I hear that right?

“You– you...Boughtthe building?” I stutter out.

“I’m desperate for you Sunshine. I need you in my life. I need to walk down the street with your hand in mine. I need your lavender scent to cover every inch of my bed. I need to spend every morning wondering how on earth you run on Toaster Strudel and iced coffee. I need to watch your beautiful mind work as you create absolute masterpieces. This way you can do that somewhere other than a dusty old attic. So yeah. I bought you the building. I would do anything to bring you back to me. To see you smile. To help you chase your dreams. I love you too much not to.” He answers. I can feel the lump in my throat and the tears falling down my face. He bought me a building? My very own art studio. “Come home baby, please. Come home with me.” He pleads, picking me up by my thighs, placing his head on my heart.

“Max Mullins, I never took you as the begging type.” I laugh and look down at him. He lets out a sad laugh and sets me back down, towering over me again. “Haven’t I made it clear, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you Sunshine?” He grabs my chin and smiles. “So will you?”

“Will I, what?” I tease, biting my bottom lip to drive him crazy.

“Come home with me.” He pulls both of my hands up to his chin.

“Home for meisyou, Max.”

“You’re home for me too, Sunshine.” He pulls me into a kiss and I wrap my arms around his neck, savoring every moment of his lips back on mine. “Oh and if you think for a second you’re going back to live at Taylor’s, think again.” He says, nipping at my bottom lip.

“What are you saying?” I furrow my brow.

“I want you to move in with me. You can buy all the tiny pillows, unnecessary blankets, and Toaster Strudel you want. What do you say?” he asks, smiling that panty-dropping smile of his.

“I say – the blankets are absolutely necessary.” I tease, making him tickle my sides. A laugh bellows out of me before he stops and looks at me for a more serious answer.

“I would love to move in with you, Max.” I smile back at him. He grabs me around my neck and kisses me more fiercely this time.

“Let’s go home.” He says, in his sultry, deep voice. He fought for me. When I thought he’d given up for good, he kept fighting. Forus.“Oh, and before I forget.” He adds, reaching into his pocket. “I believe you misplaced these.” He wraps his dog tags around my wrist, the same way I wore them when I was here for the charity auction a few months back. I look up at him and smile.“And don’t you dare ever try to give them back.” He commands, kissing my forehead again.

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