It takes a moment, but the tears finally stop. I don’t stop hugging him, though. I’m grasping at his shirt and don’t want to let go. I’m not sure how long we stay like that, but when I finally pull away, he’s still latching onto me.
“I’m okay,” I say.
“Are you sure?” he asks, concern on his face.
“Positive. It’s just hormones.”
“Hormones?” he asks skeptically.
“I think so. I don’t know.”
“What happened?”
“Nothing. I don’t know.” He holds my gaze. “Kelsey asked if I wanted to get stuff for the baby, and it just hit me that they’re going to be here soon. That this is real. And it’s scary.”
“Oh, Angel,” he says, pulling me against his chest. “I’m sure it is scary. But you know what? You’re the bravest person I know, and you’re going to be an amazing mom. Your baby is so lucky to have you. And I will be here every step of the way.”
“You don’t even know me,” falls from my lips in a raspy whisper.
He nods against me. “I know that, but it feels like I do. I want to know you more. I want to know everything. I want to be here—for you and for the baby. As long as you’ll let me.”
He pulls back again, looking me in the eye. I don’t even think. I lean forward and press my lips to his. It’s the first time I’m willingly kissing someone. Well, except for that one time I was eleven and kissed that boy in my class that I had a crush on. Idon’t even remember the poor kid’s name. I scared him half to death, and he ran away. I was insulted.
But Grizz doesn’t pull away. In fact, he doesn’t move at all.
I think I scared him too.
So I pull away.
“I’m so sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.” I get up, but his hand is around my elbow before I can run off.
“Hey, it’s okay. Stop. Sit. Relax.”
I pause, taking a moment to breathe before I do as he says. I sit back in the chair, my heart beating so fast.
“You’re okay,” he says. “I’m not mad about that. I really liked it. You just caught me off guard.”
“You liked it?” I ask carefully.
He smiles. “Yeah, I really did.”
I sigh, closing my eyes and shaking my head. “I feel crazy.”
“Hormones,” he whispers, which causes me to laugh.
I open my eyes, meeting his brown ones. So beautiful, so full of kindness.
“I love that you can make me laugh.”
He tucks some hair behind my hair. “I love hearing your laugh.”
We stare at each other for a long moment, and nothing about it feels weird. It feels like it’s right where I want to be, under his gaze.
“I always feel safe when you’re looking at me.”
“You’ll always be safe, whether I’m looking at you or not. That is a promise.”
I lean forward, resting my forehead against his. “Thank you for everything. I’m really okay.”
