12
TERA
There's a knock at the door. Same time every day for the last twelve days. Is he not getting tired of me shutting the door in his face? I don't want coffee, and I don't want flowers—even if they're my favorites.
I unlock and open the door, not hiding the fact I'm annoyed.
"Yes?"
He stands there and just looks at me.
It's unnerving, so I snap at him. "What? No presents today?"
One side of his mouth lifts in that sexy endearing smirk I love. My heart hammers in my chest, and it's getting more difficult with each day to close the door, but I need to.
He thrusts out a hand, stopping me from closing the door, startling me. I look at him in surprise.
"I love you."
He says it in a way that leaves no room for doubt. He means what he says. I'm gaping at him when I move to close the door. He nods and starts down the stairs before it's shut.
I lock up and lean back against the door, staring at… nothing.
"Did that just happen?" I whisper.
"It happened," Linc replies, bringing me a cup of coffee.
"Coffee might not be strong enough," I mutter, and he chuckles.
"He's getting to you."
"He caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting that," I admit. Hearing those words falling from his mouth rendered me stupid. It took me back to what it was like to be loved by him—reallyloved by him.
"Mhmm," is all Linc says as he walks out of the room.
He's breaking through the wall, hammering at it bit by bit. What he doesn't realize is, behind the wall isn't just love for him, there's a whole lot of ugly, too.
The next morning, he stands there in faded jeans and the Rolling Stones tee I bought for him. His hair is damp, and he hasn't bothered to shave in a couple of days. That scruffy look. Oh boy.
"I'm sorry. For all of it. I love you, Tera."
My breath catches and tears well. I close the door before they fall.
Lincoln watches me as the tears stream down my cheeks.
"Come here," he coaxes.
He pulls me into a hug, and my heart won't stop beating hard and fast. That hasn't happened in such a long time.
"He isn't going to quit. Helovesyou."
I nod. "I know."
"Stop the madness, T. Just, let him in."
"I want to, but I'm afraid of what it could mean for me if I do."
"What about what it means for you if you don't?" he retorts. "You don't see it, but I do. He's breathing life back into you."
