Page 71 of Pucking Tangled
She hadn’t felt quite ready to face any of them, but she was damn glad Luca was here with her now.
He nodded. Sat beside her on the floor without asking. Not close enough to touch. But close enough for her tofeelhis presence.
“I just needed a minute to calm the storm swirling in my head.” Her breath shook. “I didn’t expect it to happen so fast. I didn’t expectanyof this. Waylon. Casey and Owen,” she said, hoping that Luca understood what she was saying without forcing her to speak the words out loud.
“I know,” he placed his hand on her thigh.
Mia turned and looked at him.Reallylooked at him.
He looked a lot like she felt.
Tired.
Sensitive.
Like his heart was being pulled in many directions.
“Luca. I still feel you. Everywhere.”
He reached for her, pulling her into his lap and letting her straddle his legs.
Her arms wrapped around his neck. “I’m not done with you, Luca. Idon’t wantto be. Not now. Not ever.”
His mouth brushed her temple. Her cheek. The corner of her mouth.
“How is it possible that I miss you this much already?” he asked.
“I’m right here.”
“You won’t always be.”
It wasn’t a question. It was a fear. A truth. And maybe a challenge.
“I’m going to keep coming back, Luca. As long as you let me.”
“Forever?”
“Forever, Luca Blackford,” she stared deep into his eyes. “Because as much as it scares me to say this, I love you. Wildy. And I can’t do any of this without you.”
He pressed a tender kiss to her lips.
A reminder of what they shared.
“Are you willing to talk to me about what might happen next?” she dared to ask.
Luca swallowed hard but nodded his head. “Yes.”
“Casey’s all but gone mad. He doesn’t want to be the last in line.”
“I get that.” Luca let out a sad laugh. “I wouldn’t want to be either. Especially considering the fact that I think the man has been in love with you for far longer than he’s been willing to admit.”
“And Owen…”
“They’re a package deal. No doubt about it. Kinda wish I could be there to see you with them for the first time.”
Her eyes widened. “Wouldn’t that be like torture for you?”
“Perhaps I’m a masochist, or just a glutton for punishment. I can’t do that to Casey and Owen though. Or Waylon for that matter. They gave me my night. It’s only fair they have their own moment with you, too.”
