Page 45 of Only Be Mine

“Something wrong?” he asked gently.

I slid past him and dropped onto the sofa with a sigh, folding my arms. He followed, setting the bags down and sitting beside me, his arm resting easily behind my shoulders.

I leaned into him without thinking.

“Why does Lindsay hate me?” I asked.

He kissed my forehead. “Because you’re beautiful.”

I pulled back, glaring. “I’m serious, John.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I am too.”

I shook my head, leaning back against his chest. “She’s perfect. Perfect hair. Perfect teeth. Perfect body. Incredible boobs.”

I felt a tear escape and swiped at it quickly.

He laughed softly, hugging me closer. “I like your boobs.”

I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “You’re just saying that.”

“Absolutely,” he said. “Doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

I looked up at him, meeting his eyes, and felt that strange settling again. Like everything might be okay as long as he was close.

“She’s jealous,” he said quietly. “Trust me.”

I nodded, wiping at my face. “Thanks.”

He squeezed me once more, then rested his forehead against mine.

“I love you, Cate.”

Three little words and the world stopped spinning.

I froze, caught between leaning into him and pulling away, my heart slamming so hard I could feel it in my throat. No one had ever said that to me without expecting something in return.

I didn’t know what to do with it.

Before panic could completely take over, he brushed my hair back gently.

“You don’t have to say it back,” he added. “Not until you’re ready.”

Then he kissed my cheek and stood. “I’ve got a few things to finish before we head to the lake.”

I watched him walk away, looking for any sign of disappointment. There was none.

That somehow made it worse.

Outside, Amy and Jim were heading toward the dock, hands intertwined.

“Amy!” I called.

She turned. “We’re just going for a walk.”

“I need to talk to you,” I said quickly, already moving toward her. “Can I steal her for a minute?”

Jim smiled and nodded. “I’ll catch up.”