Why can’t I just be normal and believe she’s saying and doing what she is for the simple fact that she wants to or she means it? That she is the genuine person I know and love?
“I’ll see you in a few weeks. We’re gonna come when Ryan and Sophia come,” she says, speaking of Owen’s cousin and his wife.
“Awesome. Everyone or just you and Dad?” Owen asks.
“Dad, me, and your brothers.”
Owen nods. “We’ll all go to dinner. I’ll make sure to get you guys a box.”
She waves him off. “Baby, I’m Elli Adler. I have a box in whatever arena I go to.”
I pat his chest. “I thought you got the cockiness from your dad,” I tease, and he flashes me a grin, hooking his thumb to his mom.
“Nope, all her.”
We all share a laugh, and without warning or even thought, I say, “Maybe my family would like to come, if that’s okay.”
I feel Owen’s wide eyes on me just as Elli nods eagerly. “Totally okay! Let me know if they want to.”
“I'm sure they will. I just gotta find the balls to tell them,” I say with a sigh, and I’m surprised when she cups my cheek.
“Find the balls, honey. They’ll be there.”
We share a smile because I think we both know I have no earthly idea where they are.
But I do need to find them.
Once we’re back in the truck, Owen looks over at me. “I’m sorry if that ruined the night for you.”
“Nothing could ruin tonight, Owen. It was magical.”
I don’t think he believes me. “I can tell the plane to wait if you want to go by your mom’s.”
I shake my head. “No. She’ll kidnap me,” I say to lighten the mood. “But also, we both have early mornings. It’s fine, really.”
“You sure?”
“Absolutely. Thank you, though. For being you.”
He leans in just as I do, and our lips meet. It’s a short kiss but a needed one. As we part, I pinch his chin before leaning back and fixing my plants in my lap. They’re both stunning, and I love them so much. When Owen moves his hand on my knee, stroking it, I feel this sudden urge to cry. I don’t know why. Is it because of this perfect night where I feel so incredibly loved? Is it my own mind tricking me into thinking Elli Adler was judging me for my size? Or is it the reminder of hiding myself from my family? I don’t know, but I’m fighting back tears.
Maybe I shouldn’t, though. Maybe the tears would be good for my plants.
I feel off.
“Sorry I’ve been so quiet,” I say as Owen helps me out of the truck. He holds my plants carefully in one hand as I shut the door. “I know you wanted more from me.”
Owen gives me a dry look. “Don’t feel like that, Angie. I got everything I wanted and more tonight.” He moves me in close, the leaves of my Monstera Albo tickling my neck. “I wanted you to feel like the most gorgeous woman on earth.” He kisses my nose. “I wanted you to feel loved and special.” He kisses the side of my mouth. “I wanted you to freak when you saw these plants.” He kisses my top lip. “And I wanted you to be happy.” He then kisses my mouth softly before he whispers, “I got all that and some fantastic plane sex. Oh! And an I love you. I’m basically the luckiest guy known to man.”
I lean into him, grinning. “I will not take offense that the fantastic plane sex came before the I love you.”
He grins back. “In my defense, that’s the order it happened in.”
I nod. “Very good defense.”
“Whoo, dodged a bullet there,” he teases, kissing me once more. I lean into the kiss, holding him close. “Want me to help you take these in?”
I shake my head, kissing his jaw. “No, because we’ll end up in bed and no one will get any sleep and my plants will not get any love.”
He flashes a smile at me, waggling his brows. “No, but I’ll give you extra love.”
He’s so goofy! I giggle as we kiss again. “And I want it, but I’m exhausted and I have an early class.”
“Ugh, you’re so responsible,” he teases, kissing my nose. “But my legs are already weak, and I need them for tomorrow.”
He hands over the plants, and I hug them tightly. “Lunch tomorrow?”
“Yes. And maybe dinner?”
I nod. “Totally. And a workout.”
He pauses. “Naked or clothed?”
I give him a sneaky look. “Both.”
He chuckles. “Well, hot damn. I’ll see your fine ass tomorrow.”
Owen does leave me with another kiss, making me feel breathless. As I start for the house, he calls my name. I look over my shoulder. “I love you, Angie.”
God. He’s so sweet. “I feel bad. Want a blow job?”