Page 135 of Beyond the Lines
“The only difference,” I continue, “is you would have made me grovel a little less.”
“I seriously doubt that.” Her smile becomes more genuine. “I’m pretty stubborn.”
“Another thing I love about you.”
The words slip out before I can stop them, hanging in the air between us like a physical thing. I hadn’t planned to say it yet—not like this, not in the middle of her family drama—but there it is. No taking it back.
Her eyes widen slightly. “What did you just say?”
I could backpedal. Make a joke. Pretend I meant it casually. But I’ve lied to her before, and I promised myself I’d never do it again. She didn’t break up with me when Mike confronted her, so let’s see if this scares her away.
All gas, no brakes.
“I said I love you.” My pulse quickens against my ribs. “I know it’s too soon. I know we’ve only been together for a short while. But I do.”
She stares at me for a long moment, and I can almost see the wheels turning in her head. I’ve laid myself bare, and now I have to wait for her verdict. I’m hopeful of the outcome, but not certain.
Tears well in Lea’s eyes, and for a horrifying split-second, I’m convinced I’ve somehow made everything worse—because of course I have, that’s what I do. But then her lips curve into a smile so radiant it almost hurts to look at.
“I love you too,” she says, her voice breaking slightly. “God, I didn’t think I’d feel this way about anyone, not after—” She shakes her head. “But I do. I love you.”
Relief floods through every inch of me. I pull her into my arms, and she comes willingly, practically crawling into my lap. Her tears dampen my shirt, but I couldn’t care less as I hold her tightly.
“I love how you look at my art,” she murmurs against my neck. “Like you’re actually seeing me. Not what I could be or should be, but me.”
We stay like that for a long time, tangled together on my couch, her head tucked under my chin. Eventually, she shifts, looking up at me with those remarkable green eyes.
“Can I stay here tonight, Declan?” she asks softly. “I really don’t want to go back to the dorm.”
“Of course.” I brush my thumb across her cheekbone, wiping away a stray tear. “You can stay as long as you want, just make sure you text Em.”
Lea nods, fishing her phone from her pocket. She quickly types out a message, then shows me the screen:
With Declan. Safe. Love him. Staying the night. Talk tomorrow.
“Succinct,” I say, appreciating her directness.
“Em’s good with blunt.” Lea presses send, then sets her phone on the coffee table. “She’s probably already texting back with post-sex food and beverage options nearby…”
“Is that so?” I arch an eyebrow. “I’m suddenly interested in Em’s opinions.”
Lea swats at my chest, but she’s smiling. “You’re awful.”
“That’s not what you said a minute ago.” I pull her closer.
“Don’t let it go to your head.” She laughs. “Your ego’s big enough as it is.”
“Not the only thing that’s big,” I mutter against her hair.
Lea groans. “Oh my God, you’re twelve years old.”
“But very mature for my age.”
She laughs, the sound rolling through her body and into mine. It’s a beautiful thing, feeling her laugh while she’s pressed against me. Far better than seeing her cry, any day of the week.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, realizing it’s been hours since I’ve eaten anything, and not sure she’s had dinner. “I could make us something.”
“You cook?” She pulls back, looking skeptical, although she perks up at the mention of food.
