Page 101 of The Reality of Us
“He asked why you deserved more than I did.”
Owen smiled. He really liked Rico. “That’s a good question.”
Two big fat tears rolled down her face, and he was on his feet, crossing the concrete to her within seconds. If his knee hurt, he didn’t notice. There was nothing until she was in his arms, slotting into the place where she’d always belonged.
“I don’t want to go back to the way things were.” Alice rubbed her face against his chest. “I want things to be better. For us to both have what we deserve.”
Owen’s arms wrapped around her, and she melted into him. “You’re sure? But what about what people will say?”
She looked up at him, her eyes clear, the freckles on her face calling to him like the constellations dotted across the night sky behind them. “I don’t care what anyone says. I have a plan.”
Another laugh erupted out of him and fuck it, a few tears as well. He sat down, pulling her onto his lap and pressed their foreheads together, felt their breath mix. “I love plans.”
She smiled, properly this time, her cheeks stretching wide. God, his Alice was glorious.
“I’ve done a few things to clear up that drug video. Made sure everyone knows it’s not what it seems like. I’m going to work with a few different drug charities as well.”
Owen traced her cheek with his thumb. “That sounds good.”
“And I’m going to woo you.”
Another laugh. His chest felt lighter than ever before. “You are, huh? What if I want to woo you?”
“I’d like to take you on a date, Owen James. In public. I’d like people to know you’re mine.” The flush he loved so much bloomed again on her cheeks. “If you’d like to be mine. It’s okay if you want some time to think about it.”
He brushed his lips against hers, keeping the touch featherlight on purpose. “I’ve been yours since you thought I was a well-dressed murderer.”
Alice’s fingers twisted in the hair at the back of his neck, pulling him down towards her. “And I want you to know that I love you. So much.”
Fireworks. Everywhere. Joy ripped through Owen so quickly he would’ve sworn under oath that the sky had exploded with colours. “I love you too, honey.”
Their lips met, and it was like they’d never been apart. Where she led, he followed, his hands sliding underneath her jacket, seeking out her skin. She shivered against him, sucked his lip into her mouth and then she … stopped. He groaned against her lips, but she didn’t respond.
When he pulled away, her eyes were glazed, her cheeks his favourite pink.
“Your whole family is watching.” Alice blushed.
Owen’s grin might break his face. “I thought you didn’t care.” He nipped at her lips once more, and this time, she didn’t resist him. She melted into his embrace. “Come have dinner with us.”
“You’re sure?”
“Never been surer of anything in my life. Besides, the Old Girls are probably fifteen minutes away if we’re lucky. Finding a designated driver might slow them down a bit.”
“We’ll have to make sure they know I’m staying in Wattle Junction indefinitely. Next part of my plan is asking my landlord for a proper lease. None of this month-to-month rubbish.”
He breathed her in, her wildflower smell soothing him. “I’ve heard your landlord is a big fan of admin.”
Her coy smile made his heart swell. “You should know I’m a big fan of everything about you,” she said.
“Oh, honey.” Owen waited until their eyes met. “I’m your biggest fan and I always will be.”
THE END.
EPILOGUE
(THREE YEARS LATER)
Owen hadn’t set out that day to buy an engagement ring.
