“I love you. And it scared the shit out of me. And I know as soon as you’re feeling better, you’re gonna want to go shopping for a replacement bike, and, like always, I’ll ride alongside you.And I’ll remember what it felt like to see you spin. And yet, I’d never stop you from doing what you love.”
His hand slips to cup my face. “It’s who we are.”
“I know,” I rasp. “But if you ever scare the shit out of me like that again, I swear to God, I’ll kill you myself.”
Garrett snorts, winces, and presses his hand to his chest. “Great. Threats. You must be feeling better.”
“Don’t make me shake you.”
“My bones and muscles already had a good shake today. Plus, you shake me, I’ll pass out, and then you’ll cry. Again.”
I brush my lips over his. “Asshole.”
“Mm-hmm.”
I love that sound. It’s the one he makes when what we’re doing is about to lead us both into trouble. But he’s smiling. Soft and crooked.
Downstairs, something clangs. Metal on metal.
“Is she…cooking?” Garrett asks me.
“Sounds like she’s fighting with the pots,” I mutter. “I’m freaking out that she might be using metal spoons, scratching the nonstick coating.”
“She’s gonna be trouble, isn’t she?”
“Probably.”
Garrett’s fingers link with mine. His thumb running circles on the back of my hand. “Why is she downstairs, Wild?”
I swallow hard, promising to live up to my vow of always being totally honest with Garrett, even if it’s complicated. “She showed up. Didn’t even hesitate. And I didn’t realize just how much I wanted and needed her there until she was.”
His thumb stills for a second, then resumes, slower. “You needed her help coping with your feelings.”
“Jesus. Don’t say it like that. You make it sound sappy.”
“It was sappy.”
“I was in shock.”
“It’s okay to admit you’re falling for her.” He shifts and meets my gaze. His eyes are dark and tired, but it’s still, somehow, the safest place I’ve ever known.
And it’s no surprise he can read me, can see the turmoil that’s rumbling in my chest.
“We talked about this. I’m happy to be in a monogamous relationship with you.”
There’s a deep sigh. “But you miss it. Need it, even.”
I’m about to tell him I don’t. But the truth is far more complex. “I think I’ve proven to you that I don’t need it. That I’m happy to live my life with you. And I didn’t miss it. Not once in the years we’ve been together and you shared your feelings with me.”
“But now?”
“It’s been a day, Bear. You’re in pain, and I’m a mess. We don’t need to talk about this now.”
He touches my cheek. “I think it might be best for all three of us if we do.”
I look toward the door, in the direction of the hallway. “I didn’t miss it, until these last few days being around Isla. Doesn’t mean I’m going to jeopardize us.”
“Take what you need from her, Wild.”
