“Does what scare me?”
“Us?”
I don’t expect his next words, but they come out with no hesitation. “I’ve never been more afraid of anything, pumpkin.”
I risk a peek at his face. “You’re scared, too?”
“Terrified.” His gaze stays steady, like a lighthouse in a storm. “But I’m not going anywhere. I’d never up and leave you the way he did. I’d rather cut my own hand off than ever hurt you. You know that, right?”
The sincerity in his voice makes my chest ache. I swallow back my tears. “You were wrong about what you said before.”
“I’m wrong about many things. You might have to narrow this one down.”
I giggle. “You were wrong when you said I liked you.”
“Oh?” He arches a brow.
I rest my face against his chest. “I don’t like you, but I’m afraid I might love you, Bash. Like, way too much.”
He’s silent for a prolonged moment. All he asks is, “You love me?”
A wobbly smile tugs at my lips. “I love you.”
His hand on my back traces circles along my hospital gown as he presses his face against my hair. “I love you, too. I think I’ve loved you since I tumbled into you while you were holding that pot of soup.”
I frown. “But that was the day we met.”
“I know. But you were so gracious about the whole thing. You didn’t even get mad.”
“I could tell it was an accident,” I say.
“You see? You’re so lovable. I was doomed from the start.”
There they are again. Those stupid tears, trickling right down my face. But I can’t deny it—hearing him say it feels better than cuddling with Jasper, or a sweet, fluffy dog. It feels better than baking fresh sourdough or winning a dozen pageants. It’s better than anything I’ve ever been through.
I’m about to sprinkle a thousand kisses across his face when Addison bursts into the hospital room. She’s breathing heavily like she ran all the way here, and when her gaze lands on me, she exhales loudly. “You’re okay!” Her voice is just slightly too loud, but her concern for me is so genuine, a new round of tears enters my eyes.
“I’m okay, Adds. Don’t worry.”
“Of course I’m worried!” With a low chuckle, Bash moves aside so she can take his chair next to my bed. Addison reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “Do you need anything? What can I get you? Ice, maybe?” Her gaze scans my face like she’s looking for battle wounds.
I laugh lightly. “You’re such a mom now.”
“Oh, stop. This would be me even if I wasn’t, and you know it.”
She has a point. “True. But I’m fine. I can’t believe you’re here.”
She shrugs. “I saw the fight, and when you didn’t text me back, I called Bash. He told me where to find you. Your family is waiting to see you next, since I beat them here. Your mom stopped by your place to pack a bag for you.”
“You called my family?” I frown. “You drove all the way to Boston to see if I was okay?”
She looks at me like I’m crazy. “You’re my best friend. Of course I did.” A pause. “And now that I know you’re alright, I’m going to address the very elephant-sized elephant in the room.” She looks pointedly between me and Bash.
I blush. “Um, I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“Don’t give me that, Romilly Westfall.”
Bash laughs. “Are you referring to my presence? Or something else.”
