Page 170 of Come Apart

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She could have dropped me off and left. But she didn't.

She's in this for the long haul.

I don't know how I got so lucky, but she loves me. She loves me enough to stick around even when I punch out my business partner.

I brush the hair from her eyes. "I've been thinking."

"Rare for you."

I nod. "If he won't dissolve the business, I'll sell. He's not as aggressive as I am—"

"Your black eye disagrees."

I laugh. "In court." I take her hand. "But I have to admit, he's a decent lawyer. He'll manage my old clients okay." I look down at Alyssa. She's here, with me, and that's all that matters. "It's not ideal, but I'd rather he be out of our lives."

There's such a sweetness in her eyes. Maybe all this time I've been the one that needs her, instead of the other way around.

She smiles. "I'm proud of you."

"Really?"

"This requires great maturity."

"I'm trying to learn."

I run my fingertips along her cheek. She melts into the gesture, nestling into my hand. I'm tempted to stay quiet, to soak in this moment.

But I don't have the patience for it.

"Please tell me this space is over. Tell me you'll be mine forever."

"Forever is a long time." She holds my gaze.

"You're torturing me on purpose."

She nods, her teeth sinking into her lip. "You had to know your torturing would come back to haunt you."

"It's worth it." I slide off the counter and move closer to her.

With my hands on her waist, I bring our bodies together. Until we're only inches apart.

"I love you, Alyssa."

She searches my eyes. I know she'll find only sincerity.

"I love you too."

I reach for her hand and squeeze it tight. "I know things aren't perfect yet. I know we have a lot more kinks to work out. But I want to work them out with you. I'll go anywhere you go."

She smiles, a small smile.

But her heart is in it.

"Me too."

She closes her eyes as I kiss her again.

I feel things click back into place.

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