I wait until her breathing is soft and even against me before I let myself drift off to sleep, like I’ve been doing every night for the past few weeks. Slowly, everything in my life is turning into putting her first, and I’m not going to fight it.
I’m not done falling in love with you, either. And you know what? I’m never going to stop.
When we’re together, she’s not eighteen, and I’m not thirty-four. We’re just two people who get along great, make each other laugh, take care of each other, and have insane chemistry.
I need to be strong today, because that’s what marriage is sometimes. You take turns being the strong one.
You’re the only one I ever want to stay.
Jude has a no-getting-attached rule. I recognize all the signs because I also have that rule. However, it doesn’t seem to be working for us. Our rules are breaking themselves.
How sad to fall so far, only to disappear as soon as the destination is reached.
Later, when we’re home, we take Cassie in the backyard to run around, and Skylar puts Gus in a cat stroller and pushes her around the perimeter of the property. I stand on the back patio smoking, wondering how I ended up with a teen bride pushing a cat in a baby stroller across my yard.
And I guess we’re perfect together because her demons are strong enough to wrangle with mine.
I nod and watch him walk casually back to his truck. How dare he look just as sexy from the back as he does from the front. I wish I didn’t want him, but I still do. So damn much it hurts.
I struggle with all the lessons I’ve learned to make good choices. Like how bad is a master at wearing the mask of good and not to fall for it.
Things seem to happen so easily and smoothly for Megan all the time, while I drive the struggle bus.
Marriage – being in love – is a choice to stay every day, and keep staying, no matter what. You don’t lie, you don’t cheat, you don’t leave, and you don’t give up. You stay.
His grip on my waist tightens and he pulls me closer. His lips open to mine. Our eyes close. My hand has found its way to the back of his neck. Our mouths linger breathlessly when they shouldn’t – warm, and damp – before we slowly, reluctantly, pull apart. With just one kiss our deal has been shattered, our fate sealed.
One forbidden touch, one taboo kiss, and we destroyed who we were.
You ain’t tall enough to get on this ride, Sparkles.” A flirty smile plays on her lips. “You talking about the bike, or you? ‘Cuz I think I can handle both.
Smiling, he pulls me into his arms and whispers, “I think you’re my favorite place now.
Hey, Skylar! If you need a ride, I got one for you right here.” The kid grabs his junk and laughs hysterically. “That’s a little small for me, Michael,” she yells back. “I’d rather ride your dad and make you call me Mommy.
Thank you for taking care of me.” He shrugs. “It’s kinda my favorite hobby now.
I open the little red box and push the tissue paper away. Inside, I find a silver necklace with a little tiny fork charm hanging off it.
I’ve slowly fallen for her smile. My favorite curve.