“I’m here.” He wasn’t going anywhere. But would she believe that?
Angie narrowed her eyes as she looked at the door. “You know what? I’m going to crash it.”
“Crash what? The ceremony?” Was she kidding? Please let her be kidding. But he saw the look in her eye and the stubborn tilt of her chin.
“That’s right.” She pumped her fist. “No one can keep me from my friend’s wedding.”
“I can,” he said. His harsh tone caught her notice.
Angie watched him carefully. “You won’t.”
“I’m looking after you until this wedding is over.” He cupped his hands on her stiff shoulders and made her face away from the door. She protested as he pushed her farther into the room. “Consider me your personal bodyguard.”
“I don’t need one.”
She dragged her bare feet on the floor but it wasn’t enough resistance to keep him from moving her. “I’ll decide that.”
“I’m not a bridesmaid anymore,” she said, the anger evaporating from her voice. “I’ll be fine.”
“We’re assuming this is related to the wedding,” he said as he stopped next to the bed. “It could be for a different reason. I’m not taking any chances.”
She sighed. “Go home, Cole.”
He shook his head. “Not unless you’re coming with me.”
“I can take care of myself.” Her voice was quiet but steady.
“I know.” Angie was strong and capable. She knew it and so did he. Yet he wanted to help her. He wanted to be there for her and prove to her that she wasn’t on her own. “But I want to take care of you, too. If anything happens to you...”
“Cole, I’ve had a bad day.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “I’m tired, I’m upset and you need to go before I do something stupid. Like lose my temper. Or cry. At this moment, it could be both.”
Did she not want to show that side of herself? Was she worried he would leave if she showed too much emotion? “Go ahead. Let it all out. I don’t mind.”
“You don’t get it, do you?” She met his gaze. “My restraint is almost gone. I don’t want to lean on a friend tonight. I want something more. I want everything.”
He tried to squelch down the hope building inside him. “What are you saying?”
“I can’t be friends with you. Not anymore.”
The hope instantly transformed into panic. What did he do wrong? He had been on his best behavior. Whatever she needed, he would do it. Anything to keep her in his life. “Why not?” he asked gruffly.
“I need more from you.” She flattened her hand against his chest. “I need to know that you’re there for me no matter what.”
He swallowed hard, not sure if he heard correctly. “I’m with you all the way.” Even if she gave up on him, even if she moved on. He would be there for her whenever she needed him. She didn’t have to ask.
“You have always been the most important person in my life,” she said. “And I knew that I was your top priority.”
“You still are.” She put him above everyone else. In some ways he knew that. She showed it in every choice she made.
“It’s not enough,” she said. “I want it all back. I want to share my life with you. Have a future together.”
This was more than he’d ever expected. He was afraid to make a move. If he said or did something, he could break the spell.
“I get that you can’t make a commitment.” She slid her hands up his chest and looped them behind his neck. “After the hell you went through...I understand that now. But I don’t want to be mere friends. Or friends with benefits.”
He was certain that she could feel his heart beating hard. “You want another try.”
She nodded. “I want what we had, Cole. I’m not going to ask for anything more, but I refuse to ask for anything less.”
He cautiously wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her closer. “Are you sure?”
“I love you, Cole.” Her voice was clear and full of confidence. “I haven’t stopped loving you.”
He couldn’t look away from her eyes. “How can you? When all I’ve ever done is disappoint you.”
She pressed her lips against his. “I asked too much of you.”
“No, you haven’t.” His hands shook as he caressed her back. “Tell me what you want and I’ll get it for you. Your happiness means everything to me.”