“I came out here to tell you I’m sorry,” she says, the expression on her face much softer than her voice.
“You did?”
“Yes, but—”
“No buts.” Grabbing her chin, I demand her attention. “Tell me,” I plead. The energy that was coursing through my body is quickly transforming from frustration to hope.
“I’m sorry—”
My arms wrap around her before she even finishes apologizing. Pulling her body flush against mine, I hold her close…and this time I’m not letting her go. Relief washes through me, because being without her was going to hurt like a bitch.
Brittany laughs, her face squished against my chest. “You don’t even know what I was going to say,” she mumbles against my shirt.
Chills race down my spine, unease settling in my gut. Pulling back, I narrow my eyes.
“No,” Brittany says quickly. “I didn’t mean it like that. I do apologize, but I want to finish apologizing.”
Lips parting, I sigh in relief. “Does your apology end with us being together?”
“Yes, but I don’t want you to let me off that easily,” she says, her eyes brimming with more tears.
“It doesn’t matter—”
“Shush.” Brittany presses a finger against my lips. “It does matter.” I shake my head, but it doesn’t deter her. “You were right. I was blaming you for someone else’s mistakes, and that wasn’t fair to you or to Logan—whom I’m very fond of, by the way. I’m sorry I hurt you, and I’m sorry if I broke your trust.” I shake my head again, and this time she lowers her hand. “But I promise I’ll make it up to you. Just…” Her voice trembles. Grabbing her hand, I lace our fingers together, silently urging her to continue. Her fingers tighten around mine. “Be gentle with me, okay? Because I’m going to fall for you, and I’ve already had my heart stomped on. I’m not sure how much more abuse it can take.”
Bringing my free hand to her face, I cup her jaw. “Well, that’s good to hear because I’m already falling for you.” Brittany’s face lights up, the dimples in her cheeks popping out. Warmth radiates through my chest, slowly seeping outward. “I’m not sure what life has in store for us, but I can promise that you won’t regret this. You won’t regret us, and you won’t regret me.”
Closing her eyes, she nuzzles her cheek in the palm of my hand. “Just promise me one thing,” she says, her lids fluttering open.
“What’s that?”
“If at any point you’re not happy or you have feelings for someone else, just tell me. Please don’t stay with me out of obligation or fear. Just be honest. That’s all I need.”
“I can do that,” I whisper. “As long as you’ll promise to do the same.”
She pulls her hand out of mine and then slowly slides both of them up my chest. “I promise.” Gripping the material of my shirt, she crashes her lips against mine. My lips part as she devours me, and there really is nothing else I can do other than go with it because I need her so much right now.
Planting my hands on her ass, I hoist her up. She wraps her legs around my waist, the warmth of her body pressing against my cock. My chest rumbles and I rip my mouth from hers. “Is this the point where we get to have crazy hot make-up sex?”
Her swollen lips part. “Yes,” she says, breathless. “Make-up sex. Great idea. What the hell are you waiting for?” Running her fingers along my scruffy jaw, she pushes her hands into my hair and fists it. Her hot mouth attacks my neck, and what little control I had left snaps.
I have no idea what I did to deserve this little spitfire, but no way in hell am I letting her go again.
Several months later
“Are you sure about this?” Connor asks, prepping the underside of my left forearm.
Leaning forward, I kiss the top of his head. “Of course I’m sure about this. I trust you.”
His beautiful blue eyes peek up at me. “I know you do, baby. All right, here we go. It shouldn’t take long at all.”
Sitting back in the chair, I close my eyes. The tattoo gun buzzes to life, and I flinch when it first touches my skin. Connor said this would be a sensitive spot, and it definitely is, but the pain seems to be dulling with each pass.
I knew it was time for my next tattoo. My previous two are linked to not-so-great memories. They’re there to remind me about my past and what I’ve overcome. This time, however, I wanted the tattoo to reflect a really great memory. Last week, Connor told me he loved me for the first time. I felt those three words deep down in my soul, and of course I returned them.
Connor is it for me; I have no doubt about that at all. And what better way to celebrate our love than with a new tattoo. Something to remind me every single day that taking a chance on Connor was the best decision I’ve ever made.
It must’ve been something that Connor had been thinking about too, because as soon as I mentioned it, he said he had the perfect idea. I went with it. Connor knows me better than anyone, and my trust in him is unwavering.