For a moment, I’m so wrapped up in heartache, I think I’m imagining Austin’s voice calling behind me in the lobby.
Then it comes again, echoing loudly.
“Jenn, wait!”
I freeze—and so does everybody else. All around me, spa guests and staff look to see what’s going on.
I turn.
Austin’s striding towards me, looking like something out of my wildest dreams.
I gape in disbelief. Am I dreaming? Did I trip and hit my head on the way down the stairs?
He reaches me, looking determined. “I’m sorry,” he says, and I just about stop breathing.
“W-what?” I stammer.
“I’m sorry,” he says again, as my head spins, and my heart pounds.
“But you have nothing to be sorry for,” I blurt. “I’m the one who—”
“Made a mistake.” He speaks over me. “A crazy, weird mistake. And yes, you hurt me, but I know…” Austin pauses, taking both my hands in his. Gazing into my eyes with an intensity that makes everyone else disappear. “I know you’ve been honest about everything that matters. About us. You and me, and the rest? It’s just details.”
Is he really saying this? My legs go weak and I hold on for dear life as he continues.
“I should have heard you out, and given us a second chance, but I let the past get in my way.” Austin swallows, searching my face. “I was punishing you for someone else’s betrayal, and I’m sorry for that. I love you, Jenn. Come back to me.”
He means it. He really means it.
“Yes!” I blurt, throwing my arms around his neck. I pull him close, relief like a tidal wave as I breathe in his familiar scent; feel the heat of his body wrapping me up in his arms.
Where I belong.
“You forgive me?” Austin asks, and I have to laugh in sheer joy and relief.
“If you forgive me,” I tell him, holding tight.
He kisses me in answer, hot and sweet, like it’s the first time. I fall into the kiss, savoring the taste of him, and the feeling of rightness that spreads in my bones. Because now we have this second chance, I know for sure, we won’t take it for granted again.
Someone gives a loud whistle, and we finally come up for air. There are whoops and applause, and I blush, remembering that we’re in the middle of the crowded lobby, with the staff all looking on.
Austin laughs. “Back to work, everyone,” he calls. “Or back to relaxation.”
He scoops me close against his body. “You better come upstairs,” he says, grinning.
My eyebrows shoot up. “Here? Now? Not that I’m complaining, but…”
Austin laughs. “To sign your new employment contract. What did you think I meant?” he smirks.
“Wait, you’re giving me the job?” I blink in surprise. I’ve been so focused on fixing our relationship, I totally forgot about the other side of things.
“It’syourjob,” he replies. “I couldn’t have done all this without you.”
“We can debate that later,” I reply, smiling ear to ear. “But my answer is yes.”
Yes to whatever comes with Austin. Because I know, it’s going to be one hell of an adventure.