Page 104 of The Grump I Loathe
“But when the world fell down around your shoulders, I wasn’t there for you.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “And I’m always going to regret that. Knowing how much I wanted to run to you scared me. I love you so much it hurts.”
Eddie gasped, the sound spilling out and washing across my face. “You do?”
I nodded slowly. “So,somuch. And I’m done denying it. You deserve better than half measures. Better than secrets. Better than sneaky hookups and kisses in dark hallways.”
“The sneaky office sex was kinda hot,” she admitted with a giggle. “Although I’m sure Darius won’t want to see us on any more security footage.”
“He did what? No, never mind. I don’t want to know.” I choked on a laugh. “Eddie, if you’re willing to take me back, then I want to tell everyone about us. First and foremost, I want to tell my family. That’s why I invited you here. I want them to know this wonderful, talented, amazing woman who’s flipped my world upside down.”
My heart hammered against my ribs as I prepared to ask the question I’d been dying to ask. “I’d really like to take you inside and introduce you to everyone as my girlfriend.Andthe love of my life.”
Eddie’s smile widened.
“If you…” That sick tightness returned. This was what Liam had been talking about. “If you think you could still want that, I promise to fill your life with fun and joy and laughter. So much fun you won’t even know what to do with yourself. And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you know you, along with Grace, are at the top of my priority list every single day.”
My breath left me in a rush. All I could do was stare at her, study every single microexpression, and wait.
Eddie tipped her head into my hand. “You know, I’ve been doing some of my own thinking,” she said, “and fun is great, but it’s not the right choice all the time. Most especially, it’s less great when you’re trying to use it to mask the hard things in life. I thought if I could distract myself enough, nothing would hurt me, but that wasn’t the case. I don’t want to hide behind my feelings anymore. I want to experience every moment.”
I nodded, starting to agree, but she cut me off.
“I want that forbothof us.” She took a step back, leveling me with the most serious expression I’d ever seen on her face. “So, if this is going to work, that means no more avoiding the hard things. No more hiding it all behind fun and gamesorcorporate excuses. We’re in it together, which means we figure it out together. As a team.”
My chest had cracked open, but instead of bleeding out, elation was rushing in, filling me to the point of bursting. She wanted to try again. “I can get on board with that,” I said. “As long as you’re still up for laser tag tonight. Grace is really,reallyexcited.”
Eddie grinned. “You’re on, Lockhart. But you better bring you’re A-game. There’s a reason people call me Single Shot Sheppard.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “Who are these people?”
She narrowed her eyes playfully. “Anyone who’s ever been at the other end of my laser gun.”
“I can’t wait,” I said and meant it. I couldn’t wait for every silly, wonderful thing our future had in store. I tugged her close, caught her face in my hands, and leaned down, touching my lips to hers. The kiss was soft and slow and felt exactly like coming home.
A muffled cheer sounded from inside.
Eddie broke away, giggling.
“Sorry, that’ll be Grace,” I murmured. “She had the binoculars out.”
“I applaud the commitment,” Eddie said. “Does everyone else know about us?”
I lifted my shoulder. “I needed a couple pep talks. Well, more than a couple. But the person I most cared about talking to was Grace. The two of us to talked about what it might look like if you agreed to give me another chance.”
“And?” Eddie asked, threading her fingers through mine.
“She was ecstatic. She thinks you’re pretty awesome. Just like her dad.”
Eddie leaned her head against my shoulder. “Keep talking. You’re on a roll.”
The front door flew open suddenly. Grace stood there, hands on her feathery hips. “Bring her inside already! I can’t take it anymore!”
The door slammed shut again. I glanced down at Eddie. “Sure you’re ready to be a part of the annual Lockhart Thanksgiving shenanigans?”
She playfully pushed at my shoulder. “You should have told me to bring my matching turkey costume.” She gasped. “Oh my God! I’m totally ordering one for Mr. Cheesers.”
“Well, he already has a Thanksgiving sweater, and I’m fairly sure I saw one with a stocking on it, so he’s set for Christmas.”
Eddie paused on the steps to stare at me. “Really?”
