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“I’m in love with you.” There. He said it. What the fuck was he supposed to do next? Because a week ago he was running from a normal life like his dick was on fire.
Marlena’s mouth hung open. “What.”
It wasn’t a question. The word just kind of hung there between them.
“Shit.” He rubbed his face. “I’d say sorry, but I’m not.”
“I’m not sorry either.”
He stared at her sideways. “You’re not?”
She shook her head.
“What does that mean?”
“I fell in love with you too. Did a while back.”
He stalked back over to the couch and sat down next to her. “That was probably the most unromantic thing you’ve ever heard.”
Nodding, she tried to hide her grin. “Maybe.”
Locking his good arm under her non-bandaged one, he scooted her off the couch and toward the door.
“What are you doing?”
“Starting the hell over. What do you think I’m doing?” He turned her around, taking two big steps back. “Hey, you’re here.”
“You’ve lost your mind.”
“Maybe, but still. Come in. I need to tell you something.”
Marlena sat on the couch, shaking her head. “Tell me.”
“I fell in love with you. I can’t get you out of my head. You’re the only thing that keeps me sane, that balances me out.”
She held her hand out. “Sit down.”
A second later, his arms were around her, unable to keep his mouth to himself either.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs,” she said. “This morning, when I woke up, Brian was running his mouth. And you know what? I told him to go to hell. For years, I’ve listened to his crap. Internalized it, felt like less than I should be. But not today, and it had everything to do with how I know who I am. How, over the past weeks, I’ve realized that I’m good with me.”
“And I love you.”
“Good thing I love you too. Freakin’ lost cause.”
He put his hands up. “Not saying I don’t have an internal fight.”
“I know. I want you to wage it. I hope you do. It’s just… we work well together. So, I think I’ll keep my meathead boyfriend around, if you’re good with it.”
“Shit, honey. You’re spending the night. No questions asked.”
“Good. I knew there was a benefit to stopping by,” she said.
“Sounds like a challenge issued.”
He had her up and in his arms before she could say, “Watch the gunshot wound.”
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