Page 123 of Shattered

He looked utterly confused. “What?”

Sam smiled, pulled him back down to the bench, and explained about her scheduling mistake and the decision of the board. She was surprised she didn’t end up in a puddle of tears. She had spent more time secretly crying over that mess the past week than she cared to admit. It was only then that she realized she had barely even thought about it over the last two days. Somehow, being with Callum had caused every worry to slip away.

“I wish you would let me help you.” Callum brushed her hair back and cupped her cheek.

“Callum, I can’t take your money. You worked hard for that and you shouldn’t have to give it to some random girl just because you feel sad for her.”

He looked at her sternly. “You’re not a random girl.”

“What am I then?”

“You’remygirl.” She couldn’t stop the smile that encompassed her entire face. It spread like wildfire, and before she knew it, her entire body was alive with want.

“You know. You still haven’t asked me out.”

“I might be bad at it,” Callum admitted with a shy smirk.

“How can you be bad at asking someone out? It’s four, no, five words.” Sam started laughing nervously, hoping this wasn’t a sign that he did not, in fact, want to ask her out.

“No. I mean, I might be bad at being a boyfriend.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because, outside of work, and Drew and Micah, I have pretty much fucked up every other relationship I have ever had.”

“I have the utmost faith in you.” Sam gave him a tentative kiss.

“What do I say? ‘Let’s make this official?’” Callum scrunched up his nose in embarrassment.

Sam sat up straighter. “Repeat after me.” She cleared her throat. “Sam, you are the most amazing person I have ever met.”

Callum rolled his eyes.

“Sam, you are the most amazing person I have ever met.”

“And you have superb taste in pizza toppings.” She started to laugh.

He furrowed his brow in mock disgust. “I’m not sure you are worth giving up chicken and pineapple.”

She swatted his arm.

“Ugh, fine. And you have superb taste in pizza toppings,” Callum stated as he glared at her.

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

“No,” Sam deadpanned.

Callum looked at her in startled confusion.

“I’m just kidding,” she quickly added with a laugh. “I just wanted to see your reaction.”

He took a steadying breath and leaned down to rest his head on her shoulder. “I hate you so so so much right now.” He then buried his face in the crook of her neck and started peppering kisses everywhere he could touch.

“You don’t hate me at all,” she said, laughing.

“You’re right, I don’t hate you at all.” He gave her lips a quick kiss and then looked into her eyes. “Promise me something.”

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