Page 122 of Bad For A Weekend

“No. Even if he hadn’t said that, I would’ve done the same thing. Like it or not, we both had some growing up to do.”

“I disagree.”

“I know, but I can’t change the past. All I can do is make sure our future is everything you deserve. But only if you can forgive me.”

She sniffles, then leans in and brushes her lips across mine. “I’ll always forgive you. My heart belongs to you. It always will.”

I grip her at her nape and kiss her hard and deep. The papers she was holding fall to the floor, and she wraps her arms around my neck. Our teeth clash, and our tongues tangle. It’s not pretty, but I have no control right now. I’ve been holding my yearning for her back for too long. When we come up for air, I push the hair from her face and rest my forehead against hers.

“I want to do things right,” I say.

“What do you mean?”

“It means I should take you on dates so we can get to know each other again.”

“Like to the movies?” she asks, a look of confusion on her face.

“Sure.”

“Owen, we don’t go to the movies.”

“Maybe we should. I messed things up before and want to get it right this time.” I skim my hand under her robe to touch the soft skin of her abdomen.

“Okay, I’m game.”

Reluctantly, I encourage her to stand. “Let me get dressed, and I’ll take you home.”

“I have my car here.”

“Leave your keys. I’ll get it back to you by morning.”

“Okay.” She looks confused. This isn’t how she thought this would go. Honestly, I’m surprised myself. I have half a mind to carry her to my room and fuck her until morning. But unlike last time, we don’t have to rush and we don’t have to hide. Our future doesn’t have a time limit.

I slip into my room and throw on a pair of gym shorts and a tee. I push my feet into my trainers, not bothering with socks.

“You ready?”

“You really should get some furniture,” she says.

“I will, but I saved enough money for a down payment on a house, and I’m waiting until I find the perfect place. I don’t want to buy a bunch of stuff that won’t fit.”

It’s surreal to be discussing mundane things. I don’t know how we went from not speaking to this in the course of an evening, but fuck, I’m glad we did. Not that it could be any other way between us. Our history is too intense, and our connection too great.

I hold her hand all the way to my car and open the door for her.

“I knew this was you.”

I look away. “I was just trying to survive.”

She hugs me around the waist. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it was you before. You’re my protector.”

“Always, honey.” I kiss the top of her head.

On the drive home, I keep my hand firmly on her thigh, and she keeps her gaze firmly on me.

“I like being in the front seat. No more of that chauffeur business.”

“I agree.” I park the car and shut off the engine.

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