Page 102 of Verdict

His jaw tightened.

“You love me as Ellie’s mom,” I amended quickly. “We’ve been through a lot together. That’s natural. And this huge decision you’re facing probably makes everything feel bigger than it actually is.”

He crossed the room in two strides and took my face in his hands. “Don’t do that,” he said firmly.

My heart pounded.

“Don’t diminish my feelings because you’re too scared to believe them.” His eyes searched mine. “Yes, I love you as Ellie’s mom,” he continued. “But I’m also in love with you.”

My breath caught.

“It took me a long time to get here. I know that,” he said. “But you’re my choice. You’re what I want.” His thumb brushed away the tear that had slipped down my cheek. “It’s always been you. Since the night we met in Walker’s penthouse all those years ago, I haven’t been able to shake you, Ava.” His voice softened. “I don’t choose Boston.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I choose you.”

My chest cracked open as I choked out a sob.

I choose you.

“I love you, Ava. And I will prove it to you every goddamn day if I have to.”

I wanted to argue, to tell him he was mistaken again. That I'm never anyone’s first choice. But memories of all the ways he had chosen me over the last year stopped me.

The way he wouldn’t let me drive when I was pregnant. How he’d left a game early to be at my side during labor, all fourteen hours of it. Him leasing an apartment in his building to be close to us and hiring movers to handle everything. All the late nights he’d chosen to stay up and sit with me while I breastfed our daughter, even when he had a game the next day. How he knew what I liked to eat, down to the smallest detail. The way he’d chosen to come watch me ride instead of hanging out with his best friend. Being afraid of horses, but still getting on one and riding with me. The way he’d showed up for me over and over, without hesitation and without ever being asked.

All the quiet ways he had chosen me suddenly felt incredibly loud.

How had I not seen it before? Had I been so busy waiting to be chosen that I'd missed the fact that he already had?

He wiped the tear from my cheek.

My eyes lifted to his, and I couldn’t hold it back any longer. “I love you too, Cohen.”

For a second he just stared at me, like he needed to make sure he had actually heard the words.

“Say it again,” he whispered.

A small watery laugh slipped through my tears. “I love you.”

His forehead dropped against mine, and he let out a breath like he had been holding it for ten years. “God, Ava,” he sighed. Then he pulled my mouth to his, and I melted against him.

He chose me.

His kiss felt like a promise. It felt like forever.

I pulled back slightly, my breath still tangled with his. “So… now what happens?” I asked softly.

His hands slid slowly down my arms before settling firmly on my hips. His eyes burned as they locked on mine. “First,” he said quietly, voice rough with intention, "I'm going to fuck my girlfriend."

“Then,” he continued, brushing his thumb over my hip, “I’m going to sign with the Aviators.”

A slow smile crept across my face. “Oh, so you just assume that because you told me you love me, I’m suddenly your girlfriend?” I teased. “I’m not sure that’s how it works, CoJo.”

His grin turned wicked.

Before I could react, he bent down and lifted me easily into his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist automatically as he carried me toward the bedroom.

“Pretty sure that’s exactly how it works,” he murmured against my ear. He laid me down on the bed, hovering over me, one hand braced beside my head. “You’re mine, Trouble,” he said softly. “It’s about time I show you what that means.”

His mouth crashed into mine again, hotter this time. Hungrier. Weeks of tension, months of restraint, every unspoken feeling between us poured into that kiss.