He grimaces. “I think I’m rethinking this wholeusthing. That might be a dealbreaker.”
I punch him lightly in the shoulder. “I’ll have you know, I used to be friends with a chef, and he told me that eating fries with mayo indicated I have asophisticated palate.”
Ian examines each plate, deciding what his dinner will be. “You sure he didn’t just want to get in your pants?”
I shrug and dunk a fry into the mayo. “Maybe. But he’s also probably right.”
When he finally makes his selection, he settles back on the bed with his back against the headboard and clears his throat. “How are you feeling after today and now that you’ve had a little time to process everything?”
Swallowing the bite of the burger I’m chewing, I wipe my mouth to give myself a few seconds to gather my thoughts. “Learning about them also going into Witness Protection…I don’t know how I feel about that.”
One of the most shocking things from today was finding out that after I was moved to Nashville, the feds decided it was too dangerous for my family not to follow me intoWitness Protection, which makes sense. My stomach sank when I found that out, partly because I didn’t know why they weren’t moved to the same place I was. My dad explained that they were told it was safer for now if we weren’t in the same city, but that we might all be able to live close to each other, eventually.
Ian runs his hand down my back. “But they’re safe, and that’s the most important thing.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. As scary as the alternative is, it gives me a glimmer of hope that we could all be together again.
“Do you think Pamela would sit down with me again?” I ask hesitantly.
“She’d absolutely be willing to sit down with you again, beautiful.”
His resoluteness gives me solace. Knowing I have someone to talk to professionally, even if it’s just one more time—because I don’t want her to feel like I’m taking advantage of her kindness—makes the onslaught of emotions flowing through me more manageable.
I set my plate on the bed and crawl next to Ian. Cuddling up to his side, I resume eating. He steals a fry and leans into me.
All those feelings are tomorrow’s problem. Tonight, I want to enjoy spending time with Ian, because who knows when we’ll get another chance to get away from Nashville?
39
Maggie
“Holy fucking shit, we’re not going to the wedding.”
I spin around, my dress twirling around my legs. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we are. We’reinthe wedding.”
Adjusting himself, Ian walks toward me. “I’ll tell them we’re sick.” He licks his bottom lip. “You look so fucking sexy.”
His arm snakes around my waist and pulls me against his solid body. My palms go to his chest, running my hands up and around his shoulders. He’s dressed in his all-black suit minus his jacket.
“You look pretty sexy yourself. I love you in jeans, but every time I see you in this, it does something to me.”
His hand slips down my back andsettles on my ass. “You know, if we don’t go,Icould do something to you. Probably multiple somethings.”
I pat his chest. “The second we get home, I promise you can do any something you want to me.”
His eyebrows jump. “Anything?”
“No butt stuff,” I say in a mock stern tone.
He harrumphs. “One of these days…”
I laugh as I rise onto my tiptoes and peck him on the cheek. “Give me ten more minutes, and I’ll be ready to leave.”
With a quick kiss on the lips and a squeeze of my ass, he leaves me in the bedroom.
Turning back to the mirror, I smile at my reflection, feeling a happiness that lights up my soul. I hardly recognize the woman I see in the mirror. My skin looks brighter. My eyes reflect someone who is starting to rediscover herself in a way that allows for forgiveness and acceptance, for herself and others. And love. I see the undeniable sparkle.
Tonight is the night I’m going to tell Ian how I feel. I don’t want to hold it in anymore. Even if he isn’t ready, I need him to know.
