“I never thought I would see you again,” I muttered, pulling her small frame into me.
As her arms wrapped around my middle, I didn’t hold back the tears that were already assaulting me.
“I know this is crazy. I know this is probably terrible timing, but I had to try,” she explained, tightening her grip around me.
“We’re leaving again tomorrow for the second half of the tour.”
“I know, that’s why I knew I had to come up here now. I know I pushed you away, but that was because I wasn’t ready for you. I am so sorry if I ever hurt you.”
“I just don’t know what to even think right now. What about Mitch?”
When I came into Cali’s life, she had to make a tough call: be with me or take the easy road of the long-term friend who professed his love for her at the same time. I never blamed her for making the safe choice, but I knew, deep down, it wasn’t what Cali truly wanted.
“It’s over,” she muttered into my chest. “It wasn’t working. I left him to be with you.”
“Come on tour with me,” I hastily insisted.
“What about my job? I have to be back at work on Monday.”
Without even thinking it through, I kissed her quickly. “Quit. We can make this work, but not apart. Come on the road with us and see where this crazy ride takes us. It’s insane—I know it is. It’s a lot to ask, but I can’t risk losing you again.”
“And if I say yes?” she asked, pulling away from me to look into my eyes.
“Kiss me like you’re going to love me by the morning.” I smiled down at her.
“What if it happens?” Her question took me by surprise.
“It can’t,” I assured her.
“Don’t believe in love at first sight?” she asked. “I know this isn’t really first sight, but I feel like I am truly seeing you for the first time.”
“I don’t believe in happily-ever-afters,” I murmured into her soft blonde hair before kissing the top of her head. “But what if I’m wrong?”
