My family was insane.
Setting the gravy boat on the counter, I turned to Indy. She crossed her arms over her chest and paced the length of the room.
“What’s going on? You were fine when we got here.”
She laughed incredulously. “That was when it was just the two of us. But I can feel your family watching our every move. Judging me.”
“That’s not what they’re doing.” I blinked at her, amazed that she assumed they saw her as the bad guy. “Every single person out there has told me at least once that we need to get back together, that they’re rooting for us. They love you, Indy. I’m pretty sure if given the choice, everyone out there would choose your side. They’re my family, but they’d chooseyou. Because you’re amazing. We all love you.”
She stared at me.
“Oh shit.” Which did not come from me. I distinctly heard Nathan’s laugh followed by a grunt.
Good. I hoped Maddie slugged him extra hard for me.
I rubbed the back of my head. “Can you pretend like I didn’t say that last part?”
“You love me?” Indy shook her head. “I don’t… How can you say that? You pushed me out. I mean, I get now that it was for my own good, but I thought… You haven’t even tried to stay in touch with me—you’ve never called, you avoid me at work. I thought maybe you’d moved on.”
My heart ached. Physically ached at the naked hurt in her voice. “I’ve always wanted you. I want you now, this second. I’ll want you on my fucking deathbed. You make me want to be a better man, so I can be worthy of you.”
She blinked a few times and judging by the dazed expression in her eyes, she didn’t really believe me.
“Yes, I pushed you out. But only because your entire life was revolving around me. Aunt Wendy was right—our power imbalance was insane. And honestly, I need you to choose me because you want me, Dylan Burns, warts and all. And you’re not just with me because you don’t have any options.”
She nodded slowly. “I never thought of it that way before.”
Thank you, Dr. Johnston. The time I’d spent with my therapist was clearly worthwhile.
Then I swallowed and decided to shoot my shot. “Go out with me Saturday, and I can show you just how much you mean to me. Choose me. Please.”
She bit her bottom lip as she thought over my words. Then after a hella long minute, she nodded timidly.
I grinned. Fuck yeah. It felt like I’d singlehandedly won a war. I still had a chance. “You won’t regret it. I swear. I’m trying to do everything I can to be worthy of you.”
Her brow creased with concern. “Dylan, you know you’re enough, right? You don’t have to do anything or change yourself to be worthy of love. You’re pretty amazing all on your own.”
I moved my shoulders uncomfortably. That didn’t really sound right. I still had miles to go to make up for everything I’d done.
She took a cautious step forward with her hand out like she was approaching a wary animal. After a beat, she rested her hand on my forearm. “But thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Getting me a job, setting me up with an apartment, hell, even getting the attorney for my dad. He doesn’t appreciate it, but I do. You don’t owe him anything, and I know you’re doing it for me, so thank you. Really. Thank you.”
I didn’t think I’d ever been on this end of so much gratitude. It didn’t sit right. Kinda made my soul itchy. I moved my shoulders uncomfortably again. “I know how much he means to you. I just want you to be happy.”
She smiled slightly. “I’m getting there.”
“Good.” I couldn’t help myself. I took a step closer to her and reached out to cup her cheek in my hand. “Happy looks really good on you.”
She bit down on her bottom lip again, and I nudged it free with my thumb.
“You going to be okay out there? I know my family can be a lot, but I promise they only want the best for you too. They’re rooting for you.”
“And us, too, right? That’s what you said.”
I tipped my head and nodded.
“Good. I am too.”
She was just too fucking cute—I couldn’t resist. I bent forward and brushed a soft kiss against her lips. Her eyelashes fluttered close. I took the hint and took the kiss deeper.
