Page 86 of Rematch
Audrey giggled at the flustered look on my face.
Thankfully, the waitress came by our table and saved me from any teasing remark she was about to make.
Over dinner, Audrey told me about her long day at work. I didn’t realize how many crazy medical occurrences could happen within one day. With all theGrey’s Anatomyshe made me watch over the years, I became accustomed to thinking some extreme cases were confined to television. Little did I know, that shit happened nearly every shift to Audrey. And she loved it.
Despite the weariness in her body, her eyes lit up with every explanation of the science behind the treatments and her descriptions of her patients’ personalities. She always knew helping people was her calling, but she’d found a true home in the medical field.
When she offered me the floor, I didn’t have as much enthusiasm to share. I loved my job at the gym and my career, but things were awfully mundane at the moment. Even in the underground ring, our meets have been going smoothly. It’s been quiet lately - too quiet.
Given recent events, silence was the last thing I expected. But, at the same time, I wasn’t complaining. The calm gave me more time to relish in the things that truly mattered.
Like the pure bliss on Audrey’s face as she took a bite of the decadent slice of chocolate cake we ordered for dessert. Her eyelashes fluttered as they shut and her head tilted back the slightest bit. “Hm,” she moaned. “This must be what heaven is made out of.”
Chuckling, I shook my head at her.
“What’s wrong?” She asked. “You’ve been awfully quiet tonight.”
“I’m just thinking.”
She tilted her head. “About…?”
“Well, I bought you something.”
Her brows pinched together as she watched me dig into the inner pocket of my suit jacket. The crease deepened at the sight of the ring box. “Max,” she started.
“Just hear me out,” I insisted. “Before you say no, just…just listen. Please.”
Her lips pressed together, but the dent between her brows didn’t fade.
“I have been in love with you before I even knew what love was. From the moment I saw you on our doorstep, welcoming us to the neighborhood with that big ass bow in your hair and your frilly dress, I knew the only life I wanted was one with you in it. And I know…I know our relationship hasn’t been perfect. I know I’m not perfect. Hell, I couldn’t be farther from it. But, I love you, and I’ll do everything in my power to be the man you deserve. If you’ll give me the chance to.” I popped open the box to reveal the ring inside.
Audrey’s eyes widened at the sight of the white gold band. Two strips of the diamond encrusted band wove over each other, creating a never-ending thread of infinity symbols.
“This isn’t a proposal,” I assured her. “It’s another token of the promise I made when we were younger. That I’ll be yours until the day God strikes me down. Even long after that.” I reached across the table and laid my palm out. “Forever, remember?”
Moisture gleamed in her eyes. Her hand rose from underneath the table. It paused over the edge as she contemplated her decision, hopeful we’ll last yet fearing another heartbreak.
My heart almost stopped at the possibility of her rejection. I couldn’t live without her - not again.
Releasing her breath, Audrey stretched her arm over the table. “Yeah,” she whispered, placing her hand atop mine. “Forever.”
Chapter 35
Audrey
The diamonds sparkled like a galaxy of stars underneath the moonlight. It fit perfectly, settling snugly near my knuckle. Somehow it looked even more beautiful on my hand than in the box.
I haven’t been able to tear my eyes away from it since Max slipped it on my finger. A part of my brain couldn’t believe it was real. When we were younger, I used to dream about nights like this. Dining in a nice restaurant, being presented with a beautiful ring - showered in love I once thought I wasn’t worthy of. The girl still living inside of me was skipping in circles and squealing. Shit, the woman I am now was refraining from doing the same thing.
My first love - myonlylove - was mine again. For good, this time.
“Do you like it?” Max asked, reaching over the center dash to grab my hand. We were back in his car, driving home. He must’ve noticed my hand movements out through the corner of his eye.
“I love it,” I replied. I squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
He brought my knuckles to his lips and kissed them. The touch, innocent and sweet, ignited a flame underneath my skin. One subtle kiss wasn’t enough. I needed to feel his lips everywhere.
Max must’ve been thinking the same. The moment after he shut and locked his apartment door, he grabbed my arm and flung me against him. Our bodies and lips collided with a soft thud. He kissed me hungrily, messily, passionately.
