The hard expression on his face softened slightly. “Makes sense. I've got a very healthy self-esteem. Sometimes that translates into arrogance.”
In spite of the tears still running down her face, her lips twitched. “True.”
“I wish you would have talked to me.”
“I wish I would have, too. She told me that you hit on her at the end of the interview. According to her story, you told her she was much thinner than I was.”
Magnus cursed. “I really bloody hate that woman.”
“Yeah. I'm not a fan either. She basically managed to hit on both of my big issues and I totally let her do it. I'm not making excuses. I fucked up by not talking to you, but I wanted to explain it and to apologize. I'm sorry. I should have talked to you and I didn't.
He nodded. “I understand.”
She shrugged, no longer sure what to say. “So, good night, I guess.”
“What the hell? You say all that and then you leave?” Magnus asked.
Caroline miserably asked, “What else is there?”
“You called Easy Mac. There's dinner,” he said, his tone exasperated. “Have you forgotten how this works?”
“I didn't realize it was still an option. I screwed up really badly. I'm so sorry,” she said again.
“I forgive you. I'm sorry too. I should have kept calling, or come over, or sky written it. I was too proud and too stupid. Please come over here,” he pleaded, h
olding out his arms.
Before he could even finish the invitation, she flung herself at him. “Oh God, I missed this,” she admitted when his arms wrapped around her.
“Me too, love. Me too.” A moment later he hesitantly asked, “Are we done fighting now?”
“I hope so,” she said, both laughing and crying against him. “I love you so much, Magnus. I was having a hell of a time living without you.”
“I don't want you to. Ever. I love you too, Caroline.” He tilted her chin up and wiped the tears away. “No more of that. No more tears. Let me just put this crap away and we'll go upstairs.”
“Oh. You don't wanna keep on working till I leave now?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.
“I'm not letting you go again, love. I've decided I'm keeping you. It turns out I'm miserable without you,” he explained.
“I've been a mess, too. Not sleeping right. Not eating well. In fact,” she admitted, mopping at her face. “I have a small confession to make.”
“Okay...”
She could see the hesitation in his face, so she blurted. “I ate cold ravioli from a can last night.”
“Caroline!” he cried, his voice equal parts censure and shock.
“In my defense, my entire apartment is basically packed up at this point.” When she spotted his confused look, she reminded him, “Our fight didn't stop my whole moving at the end of the month thing. I just had to find somewhere else to go.”
“And did you?” he asked quietly.
She nodded. “Yep. I'm supposed to put down my deposit and sign in the morning.”
His expression sober, he said, “I wish you wouldn't, love. You should move in with me like we'd planned.”
“Are you sure? If you wanted to wait, I would understand,” she said, her voice cracking.
“I know we have some things to work through, but I'd very much like you to move in while we do that. I don't want to wait, Caroline. I meant it when I said I was keeping you.”