“Well, what if you didn’t hire the traditional way? I thought … your story isn’t an isolated one. Lots of kids make bad choices, and it follows them for life. There are programs I’ve looked into … ways to hire people who need that second chance.”
The more I talk, the more tense Ford gets. “Holy shit.”
“I mean, it was only an—”
He cuts me off with his mouth. We kiss for a long time. For longer than we normally would, especially with people moving furniture into our house. My neck twinges at the awkward angle. When he lets me up for air, he turns me, large hands cupping my face.
“I am so fucking lucky to have met you.”
“You have no idea.”
His laugh is soft. “You don’t get it. I always thought I’d spend my life alone. I was fine with knowing that’s what was on the cards for me. You blew that whole goddamn plan up in my face.”
“I did it with a smile too.”
“And one badass lap dance.”
I cuddle into his large chest. “Here’s to the newest version of ourselves.”
“And to all those versions who came before.”