“I’m sorry, Maisie. For everything. For the way I treated you. For Lana. For how long it took me to realize what a monumental mistake I made in not fighting for you when I had the chance. There’s no excuse, and I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance to undo some of the damage I did anyway. I meant what I said, I love you. I’ve never said that to a woman before, never feltthis way about another person, and the thought of losing you now...” He swallows hard.
“Hey.” It’s my turn to reach out and cup his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. It takes a lot more than a lunatic ex with a taste for drugging people to scare me off.”
“Technically, she isn’t my ex.” He corrects with a smile.
“Semantics.” I shrug.
“I want you, Mais. All of you.”
I’m pretty sure at this point my heart has beaten an entirely new cavity in my chest with the way it’s pounding, kicking against my ribs so hard I can feel the impact vibrate my whole body.
“You have me.”
“Not as a hookup. Not for the time being. I want you to bemine.”
“Then I’m yours.”
He tugs me closer, our lips meeting in a kiss so gentle and yet with so much promise it feels like the most powerful kiss of my life.
“I love you,” I say it properly this time.
“I love you.” He smiles against my mouth.
“Nothing like a hospital to bring people together.”
I straighten at the sound of Char’s voice, turning to see her standing in the doorway, her shoulder propped on the frame, making me wonder just how long she’s been standing there.
“Seems like yesterday it was me in that bed and River pouring his heart out to me.” She smiles at the memory.
“What are you still doing here?”
“Like I was going to leave until I knew everyone was okay.” She shakes her hair, her long red waves swaying as she does. “Glad to see you’re still alive.” Her eyes slide to Mac.
“Thanks to you. You arrived just in time.”
“I’ve been told I do have impeccable timing.” She grins. “Welcome to the fray, by the way. I think you’ll find our little group is quite close, so you’d better get used to sharing Maisie now because we can be quite selfish when it comes to her.”
“Funny. So can I.”
“I knew I liked you.” She chuckles, her attention coming back to me. “Jackson is here. Kai called him.”
“He didn’t tell my parents, did he? God knows I don’t need them worrying.”
“No, it’s just Jackson. He wanted me to wake you, but I refused. Though I’m not sure how much longer I can hold him off. I think Lyric is the only thing that’s kept him from barging in here.”
“She’s still here?”
“They all are.”
My heart restricts in my chest. I know how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life, but sometimes even I’m surprised by their loyalty.
“I’ll be out in just a sec.”
“Take your time.” She pushes away from the doorframe. “I’m quite enjoying watching Jackson squirm.”
“You would.” I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.
Without another word, Char turns and leaves, pulling the door shut behind her.
