It’s now or never, you idiot.
“I want it all with you, Sunny. If I have this chance and it doesn’t work out… if I lose Ricky and your family when it’s all over. It’ll all be worth it. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to see that. I was just scared.”
“Are you sure, Alex?” She crosses her arms over her chest, pushing her incredible rack further up her strapless gown, taunting me. “The Katy Perry hot and cold routine is getting old.”
“I know. I’m sorry. We need to keep things under wraps a little longer to ensure Ainsley doesn’t come after you. Plus, your brother leaves for medical school in a few months. I’d like to have a chance to spend time together before we break the news to him.”
She pulls back from me, and my heart is suddenly in my throat. Is it too late?I’ll fucking beg if I have to.
“You sound like you’ve given this a lot of thought.”
“Baby, I think about little else. I never want you to think you aren’t worth the risk. It’s just a big step for me, committing to a long-term relationship. It’s not just the fear of losing all of you. I needed to be sure I wouldn’t hurt you. I know I’m going to screw this up. Look at what I’ve done to you already.” I hang my head in shame, praying she’ll have mercy on me and give me a chance.
I barely get the words out, and my sweet girl is flinging herself at me. Her kiss nearly knocks the lighted ornamental tree beside us to the ground.
“Come home with me?” I moan against her plush mouth.
“Yes.”
“Get your things. I’ll have the car waiting at the front.”
“Okay.”
“And, Sunny…”
“Yes.”
“You better keep a chair between you and that date of yours when you say goodbye. If I see one more man with his hands on you, there will be no keeping our relationship secret. Because my fucking mug shot will be plastered all over the evening news when I’m arrested for murder.”
Chapter 16
Tuesday
I can’t believe this is happening. When I set this plan in motion, I hoped but never truly believed he’d take the bait. But he seems so sincere. Looking down at our entwined hands, it feels surreal after all these years.
As if he’s heard my thoughts, he lifts my hand to his mouth and places a chaste kiss on my knuckles. “You look incredible, Sunny.”
“Thank you,” my words come out tremulous. I don’t know if I’m feeling overcome by the magnitude of these events, the fact I’m headed to his place, or worry that it’ll just end the way the other times have gone. I’m not sure I’ll survive him walking away again.
“Are you okay?”
I nod, deciding we’ve had enough talk for one night. I have to acknowledge this and try to have faith. Although my worry is, the truth will reveal itself in the morning.
* * *
We arrive at Alex’s apartment, and he quickly jumps out of his truck and comes to my door to help me down. As he takes my hand, it dawns on me. “All of my things are at Ricky’s place. I was going to go there with Grace after the gala.”
“What do you need? If it’s something important, I can drive over and get it.”
Looking down at my dress, I pop my hip. “I don’t have anything else to wear.”
He pulls me into his strong, muscular arms. “That’s fine by me.”
As much as I’ve dreamed of this moment, I don’t want to have to put this back on in the morning.
“I’m teasing, babe. You can wear one of my shirts. Just message Grace and ask her to leave your bag by the door and I’ll swing by early and get it.”
“Are you sure? Grace will know where I was all night.” I say each word succinctly, so there’s no doubt he understands what I’m saying.
