We grin at each other like lovesick fools, and the pure elation charging through my veins is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I have fallen headfirst into this whirlwind with Garrick, and there isn’t a single molecule of my body that regrets it.
“We need to eat before dinner is ruined.” I trace my fingers through the stubble on his chin and cheeks. “But I promised you an official answer today, and I don’t want to wait a second longer.” I cup his handsome face. “I’m all in, Garrick. I want to be your girlfriend. Nothing would make me happier.”
His answering kiss is deep, decadent, and hypnotic, and I’m barely capable of standing when we finally break apart, both of us panting and flushed with matching cheesy grins.
“Told you I’d convince you to go out with me,” he says, shooting me a smug look.
“You did, and you were right.” My arms glide around his neck, and I stretch up on tiptoes to kiss him. “Thank you for not giving up on me,” I add when I end the kiss.
“That wasn’t ever going to happen, beautiful. I had no intention of giving up.”
The adoring look on his face as he messes with my hair does wonderful things to my insides. I think about how easy it’s going to be to love this man, and while the thought still holds a modicum of fear, I’m ready to fall deep. Nothing has ever felt so right.
“You were always going to be mine, Stevie, and now you are.” His lips glide over my mouth in a soft featherlight kiss, sending delicious tremors rippling across my skin. “Thank you for giving me a chance, and I promise you’re not going to regret it. I’m going to be the best boyfriend because failing you is not an option. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m going to worship the ground you walk on because you deserve everything and more.”
When he hauls me into a hug, cradling my head against his strong chest, I close my eyes and absorb his words, letting them sink skin-deep as I relish the feel and smell of him. He’s so solid and warm and all man. Nothing feels insurmountable if I have Garrick by my side. I don’t have to lose my independence or any of my goals just because I’m in a relationship. I know Garrick won’t ever let that happen. I can be a better version of myself with him in my life, and I’m excited for this summer and all the possibilities it offers.
Garrick is mine. I know I won’t stop pinching myself to believe it’s real for a while, but I’m determined to fully embrace our relationship because making him happy is now one of my goals.
And once I set my heart and mind to something, there is no going back.
ChapterNineteen
Garrick
“That was delicious,” I say, rubbing a hand across my full stomach as I push my empty plate away. Stevie went all out with filet steak, shrimp, a homemade garlic sauce, and gratin potatoes, and she even made me brussels sprouts—cooked to perfection, soft and mushy, just how I like them. For dessert, she made a berry meringue roulade, and if I eat another bite, I’m likely to keel over and die.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She reaches across the table to take my hand. “I wanted to cook something special to thank you for everything.”
“Getting to be with you is all the thanks I need.”
“How did I get so lucky to meet you?” She squeezes my hand and smiles.
“It was fate.” I laugh when she predictably rolls her eyes. “You won’t convince me otherwise.”
“Believe what you like, but you’ll never convince me. Fate is how lazy people explain inaction or an abstract notion clung to by stubborn people who refuse to believe in coincidence.” She grins and then releases my hand. Her chair scrapes across the tile floor as she abruptly stands and begins gathering up the dinnerware.
“And the cynic is in the house, ladies and gentlemen,” I tease, climbing to my feet and snatching the plates from her hands. “You cooked. I’m on cleanup duty. That’s always how it worked in my house.” Well, my dad’s house. Dawn maintains no son of hers will grow up spoiled, and we all had daily and weekly chores. My brothers constantly complain, as I did when I was younger, but Dawn is right, and I’m glad she was insistent. At least I can cook and clean and fend for myself. If I’d grown up solely with Mom, I’d be a spoiled little prick, waited on by staff for my every whim.
“You have good manners.” She darts in to kiss my cheek. “And I’m never one to look a gift horse in the mouth.”
After stacking the dirty dishes in the sink, I return to the table to top off her wineglass. I lean in to snatch a quick kiss, but she’s quick to shove me away. “Not a chance in hell until you’ve rinsed that brussels sprout taste from your mouth.”
I chuckle as I swat her ass. “It’s not like I carry my toothbrush with me wherever I go.”
“You can borrow mine,” she says, “or just rinse your mouth with mouthwash.”
“If that’s what it’ll take to steal more kisses, so be it.” I whistle under my breath as I head off in the direction of the bathroom.
“Oh, and Garrick?!”
I spin around on my heels to face her.
“I’m not cynical. I’m pragmatic, and I’d much rather believe in unplanned coincidental events than supernatural predetermined nonsense that can’t ever be proven.”
When I return a few minutes later with minty-fresh breath, I find my girl spreadeagled on the couch, trawling through movies on Netflix. Leaning down, I claim her lips in a brief tender kiss. “Better?” I murmur before brushing my lips against hers again.
“Much.” She reaches up to kiss me, but I pull back and straighten up with a smirk.
