Page 28 of The Last Love Story
It’s not like I’m going to spontaneously combust or anything.
“Thanks for lunch,” Zoey says, as we get to our rooms.
“No problem. I appreciate y’all keeping me company. Despite being in this world for a while, I don’t actually have too many author friends, and only a couple of narrator ones.”
“We’re happy to claim you,” Trish says. Then her eyes meet mine. “Jade, did you want to come over and watch a movie before the mixer tonight?”
Justin’s hand slides off my back, and he angles his body so he can meet my eyes. “Actually, if you have a few minutes, I wanted to talk to you about something. Here or in my room. Whatever works.”
The heat of Zoey’s and Trish’s stares burn into me, but I ignore them.
“Sure. We can go to your room.”
I’m not trying to be forward, but the walls are thin, and unless we’re whispering, Zoey and Trish will be able to hear everything. Not that I’m expecting to rip our clothes off and jump into bed, but whatever this conversation is, should be private.
He holds out his arm. “Right this way then, darlin’.”
Zoey flares her eyes at me as Trish pumps her eyebrows.
“I’ll text you later,” I call as Justin leads me away.
Okay. Time to be cool. Calm. Collected.
Except I’m not cool.
I’m sweating everywhere.
Pits, boobs, ass. I’m like a fountain. In the worst way.
Breathe.
When we get back to Justin’s room, I’m grateful the AC is on full blast because I need it. I’m about to go stand next to it when Justin grabs my hand.
“What’s up?” I croak.
“Well, I couldn’t stop thinking about what you told me yesterday—your insurance not covering your surgery. It’s not okay. You don’t need that financial burden or extra stress. I did some research last night, and I think I might’ve found a solution to your problem.”
My brows lift in surprise. I did plenty of researching too. Was there something I missed? There’s some uncertainty in his eyes, and he looks a little sheepish. I tamp down the hope trying to blossom in my gut.
“Oh? What’s that?”
He stares at me for a beat, then a calm confidence takes over, and he smiles.
“We should get married.”
CHAPTER NINE
JUSTIN
I’mworried I might’ve broken Jade. She’s standing there blinking at me like that’s the only way she can communicate.
“Married,” she croaks.
Good, a word.
“I know it’s a lot, but it seemed like an obvious solution.”
“Obvious?”
