“I don’t want you to marry me just to keep me happy. I refuse to be one of those women dragging a guy to the altar in chains.”
He laughs. “I’m not asking yet. I’d prefer not to smell like sewer water when I do.”
“Oh my god, is that smell coming from you?”
“Don’t ask. You don’t want to know what I landed in the first time they threw me out.”
Seth walks down the aisle just then. “Sorry to interrupt. Is everything okay?”
Law glowers at him but I move between them. After escaping security the last thing he needs is to start something with Seth.
“Everything is fine.”
He nods. “I take it that means I’m on my own for the rest of the night.”
“It does. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Good luck.”
After he walks away, I hold out my hand to Law. “Let’s go home.”
His shoulders sag. “Thank God. Not trying to be dramatic but there’s something moving in my sock. And I really want to kiss you but I can’t while I stink like this.”
“Don’t worry. It’ll keep.”
23
LAW
“I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated a shower more.”
From her perch on the bed, Anya laughs. “After ri
ding all the way home with that smell, I would have to agree.”
I sit on the edge of the bed. My ruined tuxedo is crumpled in the corner. That’ll have to go to the incinerator. I’ll never be able to wear it again without a flashback of being tossed into the street.
Anya shifts so she can see my face. “So what happened tonight before you showed up at the event?”
“Liz happened.”
Her smile tightens. “I should have known she wouldn’t go quietly into the night.”
“I’m glad she didn’t. It was good to finally tell her that I don’t give a shit what she thinks anymore. She tried all her usual tricks, calling me predictable and boring. I just didn’t care.”
“What changed? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy. I actually would pay money to have seen her face when you told her to hit the road. I guess I’m just wondering what’s different now?” She picks at the edge of the blanket, the vulnerable expression on her face twisting my heart into knots.
Her eyes telegraph her thoughts like a bullhorn.
Why should I believe you’ve changed?
How do I know you won’t break my heart again?
“I don’t have her voice in my head anymore. Now it’s you. You telling me that I’m steadfast and strong and someone you depend on. Liz always wanted more, like I would never be enough. But you, the only thing you ever wanted was me.”
“That’s still all I want.”
“I’ve let you down in so many ways but one day, I’ll earn your love again.”