Page 44 of You Loved Me Once
It’s the most fun I’ve had in far too long.
“How could anyone think that movie was even halfway decent?” I ask as we walk out of the theater.
His fingers link with mine and he pulls me against his side. “I have no idea, but I’m glad you had to suffer along with me.”
I grin while looking in his eyes. “Whatever. I only suffered because it was so bad.”
He laughs. “I liked how you squeaked when you got scared and grabbed my arm.”
“I didn’t get scared! Also, I don’t squeak.”
“I’m pretty sure I heard you.”
I giggle and nudge him. “I think you need your hearing checked.”
“Know any good doctors?” Westin smirks as I stare up at him.
“Funny.”
He leans down and kisses the top of my head. “Cute.” Suddenly, he stops, grabs an empty box of popcorn, and tosses it in the trash. “I hate when people don’t clean up after themselves.”
I feel my lips turn up into a warm smile. Here’s a guy who lives in a very expensive loft, has money for days, but still stops to pick up someone’s trash.
“Sweet,” I mutter aloud. I release his hand and hold onto his arm as we head toward Millennium Park.
As we walk, Westin tells me about his meeting with the chief and his hopes to get the position. Then we switch topics and he brings up a case he has that has him a little stumped. I love listening to his passion as he talks about his hopes to find a way to help his patient.
“I have faith you’ll find a way,” I tell him.
“You do, huh?”
“I do. If there’s anyone who won’t give up, it’s you,” I laugh.
Westin wraps his arms around me and starts to tickle me. I squirm in his grasp, but I can’t stop myself from giggling. I’m ridiculously ticklish. He stops, but doesn’t let go.
We stand here, in front of the park entrance, and he looks down at me with adoration in his green eyes. “I’m only relentless on things that matter.”
“I’m glad you are.”
“Are you?”
I nod.
“Well,” he taps my nose. “I’m gl—” He’s cut off when a bike zooms past us and he grabs me closer, tight against his body. My pulse spikes, as it was a close call. Wes looks down at me. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” I smile. “Thanks to you.”
When I’m around Westin I feel a sense of safety in a sea of uncertainty. He holds the rudder, keeping us on course. He doesn’t control me, but he comforts me. I can relax. I can breathe.
We continue walking, with me clutching his arm as we reach the famous Chicago bean, where tons of people are milling around, snapping selfies and smiling. Westin and I love coming here during our days off. It’s a fun area where we can be normal people.
His arm wraps around my shoulder and I burrow into him. It’s freaking cold out.
“I like this, Ren.”
I look up with curiosity. “Freezing our asses off?”
He laughs. “No, being like this.”
