Page 123 of Hot Mess Express
I come up to him and close the door, then bring his face to mine for a kiss. “It’s been a long night.”
“Everything’s changing so fast. They’re engaged and running off now on a cross-country road trip? That sounds like a disaster.”
“Well, not quite yet.”
“And where does that leave us?” He snaps his eyes to mine. “Your ass isn’t about to take me on a spontaneous road trip, are you? I can’t do that. I don’t have that kinda freedom. I’ve got a job here, a real job with my dad and our company, and—”
“Don’t worry, that’s not happening,” I say through a chuckle, rubbing his shoulders gently. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“But that isn’t true, either, is it? You’re going back home to Kansas in a week.”
“Actually …”
Anthony’s eyes turn hard. He waits for me to drop a bomb of my own.
I take his hands into mine and lead him out of the kitchen to the couch. We spent all our time in the bedroom the second I got here, I didn’t take enough time to appreciate what he’s done with this place before it was time for us to take off to the big welcoming party. I’m honestly stunned by his careful attention to the décor, his thoughtful choices, his design, and how clean and tidy he’s kept this place. It’s truly impressive, even for my standards.
But now’s not the time for admiring it. “Anthony, babe …”
“What? Spit it out. I’m losin’ my head here.”
I meet his eyes. “I’m considering …notgoing back home.”
He looks like he’s holding his breath. “Considering …?”
“Yeah. Strongly considering. More than considering. It wasa thought in my head the whole way here from Kansas, in fact. Ever since I left my brother and my mom. Seeing how much the two of them have been thriving … made me think. A lot.” I shake my head with a smile. “They’re my family and I’ll always love them … but I don’t think they’re where my heart’s at. Not anymore.” I squeeze his hands. “It’s here. Right here with you. I—”
“Fuck,” hisses Anthony.
I just realized he’s crying. “Babe?”
“You made me cry. I’m fuckin’ cryin’. You went and … all this night, this whole night … I’ve been feelin’ pain inside, feelin’ like I gotta savor every damned minute I got with you, ‘cause you would be soarin’ right back outta here the second our week’s up, and I’ve been goin’ crazy, preparin’ for it already, knowin’ how bad it’s gonna gut me … and then you go and drop this shit on me? You’re considering staying? Don’t consider it any fuckin’ longer. No more considerin’. Juststay,” he demands, bringing his hands up to my face suddenly. “Stay with me, Bridge, or so help me—”
“Anthony …”
“Don’t consider it another second. Just jump on the train for good, no stops, all the way to the end with me, Bridge.” He thrusts a kiss on me every time I try to speak, causing me to laugh. Then he stops suddenly, finding my eyes. “I fuckin’ love you.”
I stare back at him, the rest of my breath stolen out of me the second those words leave his lips.
“Just stay,” he begs me.
Six months later.
EPILOGUE
ANTHONY
Wake up before the alarm goes off.
Pull on my shorts and a tank.
Tug on my running shoes.
Grab two bottles of water out of the fridge.
“Mornin’, slowpoke,” I greet a sleepy-eyed Bridger, appearing in the hall in just his boxers.
He laughs when he sees me already jogging in place to get my heart rate up, ready to go. “Seems like someone’s already popped the batteries up their butt.”
