And she smiled.
“I know it might seem sudden, but it really isn’t if you think about it. We’ve been fighting this for a long time. I need you to know it’s how I feel, especially now, after…”
She launched herself from her corner into my arms and onto my lap. Her arms went around my neck as our mouths collided. The kiss was fierce and urgent and…perfect.
Then she stopped, pulled away, and held my face in her hands. Our noses almost touched as our eyes adjusted to the closeness.
“I love you, too.”
CHAPTER 29
Maryellen
It was work as normal on Tuesday morning when we finally made it back north. But there really wasn’t anything normal about my life anymore.
My secret was no longer a secret.
There was a level of comfort I attained with Chase knowing about my past and how I made it to PFA. It took time to get there this weekend, with a lot of tears, talking, and convincing. Chase convinced me to take Monday off work, giving us an extra day at the beach together.
During the drive back to the city, Chase asked me to stay at his place that night since we were getting back so late. He said he wasn’tready to let go of me just yet.
So, Tuesday morning we strolled into the office together.
Nothing was normal anymore.
Chase was fully aware of my concern about seeing Gage this morning and my need to apologize to him for creating drama at the party. I had already spent an hour on the phone with Harper the night before. What started out as me begging for forgiveness turned into the two of us chatting about boys. She was happy we resolved things and that the beach house was put to good use.
Chase walked right into Gage’s office with me.
“Morning, Brother,” Chase said.
Gage looked up at the sound of his brother’s greeting, but his eyes were drawn to me. Standing, Gage came around his desk to my side and took my hand in his.
“How are you? And before you answer, I want you to know something. My father is still in New York. He’s worried about you, both of you.” He glanced at Chase. “He wants to see you before he flies back to the West Coast.” He let out a sigh. “If you don’t want to see him, though, I get it. I’ll be the one to let him know.”
This was a lot.
This meant Gage knew everything. I wasn’t expecting that, though I don’t know why. I guess I thought I’d have to tell him just as I told Chase. The fact that Gage already knew should have made things easier, or better, in some way.
But it didn’t.
Instead, I felt like I had no control.
It had been taken from me. And I didn’t like that.
The room began to spin.
My hands reached out, searching for Chase, for something stable to hold on to.
Gage’s mouth moved, but I heard nothing.
I felt strong arms around my middle just as it went black.
“Mare…”
“Just hold her head, man, I’m calling an ambulance.”
“Why the fuck did you have to bring up Dad the second we walked in here?”
