Page 61 of Every Single Wildflower
“Brady.”
I wasn’t expecting that. Have I forgiven Brady? Yes. I did a long time ago. His actions don’t hurt me anymore. Besides, what we have is an old friendship. It’s childhood. It’s not love.
“Yes. I have,” I answer honestly.
He shoves both hands into the pockets of his jeans. “And if he asked you for another chance?”
“Where is this coming from?” I ask.
“We had drinks tonight.” He shrugs. “He said some things.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Maddox, Brady and I have been over for a long time. Even that last year, we both knew what it was. It wasn’t love. It was comfort. It was honestly, on my end,obligation. I felt like I would be kicking him while he was down after your dad passed. I loved him. But almost in the way I love Cooper or Ryder.” I push off the counter. “So, no. There will never be a second chance. Not for him.”
I can see the quick flash of relief cross his eyes after he huffs out a breath. “Ivy, I understand if you want to see if there’s anything left. I wouldn’t stand in your way if that’s what you really wanted. I want you to be happy.”
Stepping right up to him, I place my finger over his parted lips. “Stop.”
It’s almost amusing to see the way his eyes bounce over my face.He looks terrified.
“There’s nothing there. There can’t be because my heart isn’t available for him.”
My hands reach out to land on his broad shoulders, and he removes his hands from his pockets.
“It’s just…I know you two have a history." His eyes veer from mine, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Maddox show any form of insecurity.
I push up on my toes, pressing a kiss on his stubbled jaw. “You have no idea how long I’ve been yours? Do you?”
Rough palms slide into my hair, and he tilts my head back. “Can you say that again, Goldie?”
“Which part?” I smile.
“The part where you say you’re mine,” he rasps.
“I’m yours,” I repeat.
He drops his lips to mine in a soft kiss before he pulls away too soon.
“Can I be really honest with you here?” He asks.
I search those hazel depths and take a deep breath. “Yeah.”
“I’m fucking petrified. Of this. Of how you make me feel.” His hands shift, sliding down to my nape. “I’ve fought it for so long, and I’m just now in a place where me and my brother can havea conversation that doesn’t end with him taking a swing. I’m scared this will be what destroys us. That he’ll never forgive me.” His forehead presses to mine. “I know you have a life in Georgia. I know you are only here temporarily. But despite all of those things…” He pulls back. “I can’t stay away. Not anymore.”
Cupping his jaw, tears fill my eyes. “I’m scared too. I would never want to be the thing that fractures your relationship with your family.” He slips his hand down to link his fingers with mine. “But I’ve loved you since I was eighteen years old, and I don’t know how to stop. I don’t know how to make this feeling in my chest go away. I’ve tried,” I admit. “God, did I try. I fled the state for God’s sake.” I laugh, but it comes out a sob. “I don’t want to hurt anyone,” I whisper. “ButI’mtired of hurting.”
His eyes are wide as he backs away from me and I watch his expression change from shock to maybe…. awe. I can physically feel the heat infiltrate my cheeks as I realize what I just did.
I just told Maddox that Ilovedhim.
Shit.
“I’m sorry.” I move to pull my hand from his.
God, what was I thinking? It’s too soon. He’s not ready.But he grips tighter, tugging me into his chest as his lips crash on mine. His kiss is deep, his heart pouring out with each movement. Soft lips melt to mine, and when he places a gentle peck on the corner of my mouth, he cranes his neck back to look down into my eyes.
“I love you too," he says.
Then he smiles.
