“I’m so sorryI misjudged you.”
Bam, found him. My gorgeous, wonderful man. And he is absolutely about to get an earful from me.
Wait, what did Deirdre say?
She shrugs, daring to inch closer. “I didn’t know the whole story, and I should have listened. I’m so sorry for all you’ve endured these last several months. Just let me know if there’s anyone’s ass you need me to kick… including mine.”
I try to bite back the grin, wanting to present a stern face, but it’s a losing battle. “One hell of an offer.”
“Feel free to take me up on it. Just ask Eddie, I have a wild temper.”
“Of that, I’m certain,” I chuckle.
“So… are we okay?”
Look, I can spend the rest of my days hating the people in my hometown and surrounding area for what they did to me, but that only hurts me.
And trust me, I’ve hurt enough for ten lifetimes. Besides, if I get my wish, I’ll be seeing a lot more of Deirdre, and I refuse to hate the woman.
Instead, I shock the hell out of her by pulling her into a nonchalant hug. Hey, I’m a hugger. Sue me. “I appreciate your apology, truly I do, but there’s no need. You were just being a good mom. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with Eddie. Immediately.”
“Absolutely. He’s by the far end of the ice?—”
But I’m already gone, marching toward the man I love with a no holds barred attitude.
Hope you’re ready for me, sir. Because I’m done hiding.
Eddie glances up as I swoop over, the look of surprise falling from his face as I jab my finger into his chest.
“You’re an idiot,” I crow. “What were you thinking going to see Drake like that?”
Eddie catches my wrist in a gentle hold as his warm dark gaze searches my face. “Don’t tell me you’re mad at me.”
What a stupid statement. Seriously?
“Yes, I’m mad at you.” My voice shakes with emotion. “I did everything to keep you out of this mess, but what do you do? Ignore all my warnings and waltz right into the danger zone.”
“See? I knew you weren’t mad at me.” Eddie flashes an irresistibly dazzling smile, which is absolutely helping his cause. “Besides, that’s what you do for the people you love.”
Well how can I stay mad at the man now?
Exactly, I can’t.
I collapse into him, wrapping my arms around his waist, and hugging him tight. “You are… ridiculously amazing, and I love you to pieces, but I’m still mad at you.”
Of course I’m not, but he doesn’t need to know that. God forbid he gets any more ideas about playing the hero.
“Liar. This is a happy hug. Not an angry one.” Eddie rests his chin on my head, his arms banded around me. “I saw the interview.”
I pull back with a smirk and a roll of my eyes. “Just like that, I’m no longer public enemy number one. In fact, I’ve received a barrage of phone calls and flowers in the last few days.”
He furrows his brow. “Flowers? Who’s sending you flowers?”
Do I love the tiny inkling of jealousy poking through his calm facade? Better believe it, but getting a rise out of the man is not my point.
I wave away his question. “No clue. Didn’t read them.”
He nods, catching his lower lip between his teeth. “Look at you. You’ve got your old life back.”
