“Answer me,” he said, his grip on her hand tightening just a little.
“I don’t think you would. But you’ve been distracted a lot these past few weeks. You’ve been paying extra attention to your phone.” She nodded as the very device vibrated on the table.
Mikel stood abruptly, dropping her hand before pulling out his wallet. He threw some bills on the table and motioned to the door. “Let’s go. I’m not having this conversation here.”
She grabbed her sweater and slid out of the chair, quick to follow on his heels as she fought back tears. He opened the door of his truck for her and she climbed in, swallowing the ball of hurt bubbling in her throat before he joined her.
With a sigh, he slammed his fist into the steering wheel, making the horn honk. She jumped.
Mikel shook his head and turned to her, his eyes glassy and red with tears. Her heart broke for him, terrified that she’d been immature and acted on impulsive insecurities rather than confronting him a better way.
“I would never cheat on you, Remy. It’s physically impossible. You’re …” He took a moment as if another word would break the dam of tears. He blinked a few times. “I love you, Remy. I’d never want to screw that up. You’re the best thing in my life. I’ve just been under a lot of pressure. I’m not sleeping that well.”
Remy scooted closer and pulled him into her chest as she cried the tears he was too stubborn to. “I’m so sorry. I’m here for you. You can come to me and talk to me about anything. I’ll always listen.”
He nodded. “I know. I just need you to trust in my love, baby.” Mikel pulled away, wrapping firm hands on either side of her face. “I’m sorry I’m such a downer today. Let me make it up to you.”
She shook her head. “No, I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. I’ve wanted you to look at me like you do now for so long. Sometimes it’s still hard to believe this is real. What I feel for you—sometimes it’s overwhelming. I’m just terrified to lose you.”
“Never.” His promise was spoken across her lips as he nuzzled her nose with his own. “I’m gonna take you home and remind every part of you how much I love you.” He slanted his mouth against hers.
She leaned into the kiss, happy to give whatever he wanted to take. Mikel was everything—the very next breath her lungs craved. She’d do anything for him. “That sounds like a great idea, but maybe I can give you a massage first. Work out all those kinks from stress,” she offered.
“Hell yeah,” he said, giving her one amazing kiss before he started the truck.
The twenty-minute drive couldn’t go fast enough.