“There hasn’t been a day I haven’t looked at that ring and wished it was on her finger.”
“Well, you’d better be prepared to grovel.”
Her words hit me square in the chest, and I think about Bizzy, my confidence growing.
“I don’t grovel… I persuade.” I wink and yank the box out of her hand, kissing my mom on the cheek and rushing past them. I stop in the doorway and turn, focusing directly on my mom.
“Mom—”
“Get your ass out of here. It won’t be Christmas without you, but the end result will be worth it. Although, you may want to call Bizzy’s parents on the way to the airport. They’re very confused. I’ll handle your dad and brothers.”
“Love You!” I shout and race to the elevator, feeling excitement for the first time in forever. The energy and buzz flows through my veins, and I think about my beautiful girl.
“Crenshaw Bennett!” my mom calls.
“Yes?” I whirl around to see her glaring at me seriously.
“Don’t you come back here without her, and don’t you dare get married up there. I know you and how your mind works. I’ll never forgive you if I don’t get—”
“Got it, Mom!” I shout, cutting her off.
Oh yeah, this is going to be fun. Bizzy has every right to fight me… and I hope she does. I hope she fights like a wildcat, because I expect nothing less.
The minute I let myself into the apartment, I feel relief. It smells like Bizzy, Claire, and evergreen. I look at the enormous Christmas tree in the living room and make another mental note to thank Nick. It’s perfect.
She’ll be home in an hour. That’s not nearly enough time, but it’ll have to do, so I get to work.
I drop my only bag—my laptop—in the sunroom and start the preparations. Several times, I grit my teeth and have to text Claire, but she turns into my saving grace. Finally, it all looks perfect, and the only thing I need to do is find the words.
The key in the lock turns, and I brace myself, ready for any response, as I stand next to the lighted Christmas tree.
“Shaw, I know it’s a little late, but I’d love to hear about the gift exchange. No one is answering their phones. It’s worrying me. If you can’t call, I understand, but maybe text me? Let me know things are okay?”
She drops her phone on the counter, still unaware of my presence, and I soak in the vision of her.
I’m an asshole.
I’m a dipshit.
I’m everything Claire thinks of me…
But I’m also a man in complete love with this beauty in front of me.
“No need to worry, I asked them not to answer,” I say quietly, hoping not to scare her.
She jumps back, falling against the door. “SHAW!!!” she screams so loudly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the neighbors heard her. Her hand flies to her chest, her breath coming in pants. Her eyes move wildly around the room, taking in the flickering candles and the glowing tree. When they land back on mine, she lets out a tortuous sob.
I go to her, dropping to my knees, and yank her into me. She feels smaller in my arms, but it doesn’t stop the familiarity and warmth flooding through my body. My head drops to the curve of her neck and I inhale deeply, smelling limes, coconut, and citrus. The constant ache that’s been consuming me starts to disappear.
She trembles against my body, still in shock, and I can’t stop myself from kissing every inch of skin my lips can touch.
“What are you doing here?” There’s a quiver in her voice that stops me cold.
I lean back and swallow the lump in my throat when I meet her eyes. The vibrant glow is gone. Her beautiful, icy blue-grey eyes are flat, dull, and swimming in pain.
“I got a really long overdue kick in the ass and woke up. I’m here to claim what’s mine. After tonight, there will be no room for uncertainty when it comes to us. I promised you that once, and I monumentally failed.”
I see her confusion and a spark of anger. She opens her mouth, but I move quickly, sealing my lips over hers and threading my fingers through her hair. She resists at first then fists my shirt and swirls her tongue against mine. Our mouths move desperately together, both of us fighting for control.