“If you drop me in this water, Troy, I will kick your ass!” Angie shrieks in my ear. “That is a promise!”
“Oh yeah?” I make like I’m going to drop her, but catch her before I do.
“That’s just mean.” Her laughter eases everything inside of me. “I take back everything I said before.”
“What part of it?”
Angie wraps her legs and arms around me like a koala. “The part where I said I loved you.”
I shake my head. “You can’t take that back.”
“If you drop me in this water, I will.”
“Even if I make you hot chocolate and spend all night warming you up?”
She rolls her head, as if debating it. “I could be convinced.”
“Then how about we head back to your place, and I can make good on that promise?”
She bites down on her lip and nods. “I’m ready for you to warm me up.”
I don’t set Angie down as I walk back toward the parking lot.
It’s been the perfect day. One I hope to continue with Angie for a long, long time. The two of us loving each other.
Forever, really.
As long as the two of us can figure out a way forward.
Together.
Chapter Twenty-Six
TROY
“Are you always this slow?” Angie laments. “I’m still cold.”
“Are you always this impatient?”
I grab my bag from the back seat and lock my Jeep.
“When I want hot chocolate? Yeah.” Her eyes are playful as she opens the back door to her building.
“That’s all you want?”
“What else could I possibly need?” There’s a skip to her step as she tries to run away from me.
“Not so fast.” I throw her over my shoulder and bolt up the stairs. “You’re not getting away from me that quickly.”
“Troy! Put me down!” Her laughter echoes around the stairwell as I open the door to her floor.
The hallways are quiet as I walk through the maze to her apartment.
“Uhh, Angie?” I stop short of her front door. I recognize the faces hovering in the hallway. And I certainly don’t miss the way they’re glaring at us.
“What?” There’s still a playfulness to her voice.
Not for much longer. I set her down and step awayfrom her. It’s like a chasm is opening up between us already.
