I rested my forehead against hers. “You don’t get to walk away from me after saying some bullshit like that.”
Her brows lifted. “I don’t even remember what I said.”
“That upgraded crap.”
She looked away.
I tipped her chin back. “Look at me.” I waited until she looked at me. “I’m gonna make you see what I see.”
Her expression softened. “Doubt it.”
I almost argued and told her exactly what I saw.
Beautiful. Funny. Strong. Kind. The kind of woman who built an entire life out of heartbreak and still smiled at strangers. The kind of woman who made me want things I’d spent years avoiding.
But, I stopped because I didn’t think words would convince her.
Consistency would.
Showing up would.
Time would.
So instead, I kissed the tip of her nose, which made her laugh. “I’ll prove it.”
“Sure,” she drawled.
I narrowed my eyes. “You don’t believe me, but you will.”
She thinned her lips. “Try your best, handsome. We’ll see.”
I stepped back and tipped my head to the door. “Lock the door.”
Josie blinked. “That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “Fine. Goodnight, Rome.”
Christ. The way she said my name like it belonged to her already.
I shoved my hands into my pockets before I did something stupid. “Night, Josie.”
She stepped inside, closed the door, and I waited.
A second later the lock clicked into place.
Only then did I turn around.
I headed back toward my bike, and all I could think about was Josie standing on her porch believing she was somebody’s second choice.
Not a fucking chance.
I swung my leg over the bike and looked back at the house one last time. The porch light was still on and a shadow moved behind the curtains.
Josie.
I smiled because I already knew something she didn’t.
