Page 120 of My So-Called Perfect Life

“You’ve quite the potty mouth tonight, Danielle.” I smirk.

“Because I’m kind of buzzed. I don’t know whether I want to kill you or kiss you. My mind is completely fried, and I feel like things still need to be discussed, but all I can think about is being in your arms because it feels like forever since I’ve had them around me.”

My arms tightly band around her, holding her together while she breaks apart. “I’ve got you, baby. I’ll never let you go again. You’re mine now.”

She sniffles. “I’ve been yours.”

The fullness that I feel from having Danielle right where she belongs isn’t something I can adequately describe. It’s like feeling the last piece of the puzzle snap into place. Feeling like everything is just as it should be. I feel whole. Content. Happy.

“I love you, Danielle.”

Pulling back, she looks up at me and smiles through her tears and snot. I love how much she doesn’t care about being a hot mess. And she’s never looked more gorgeous.

“I love you, Ryan.”

A throat clears behind us. We turn, Danielle still in my arms, and see Amelia peeking in from the still-open door.

“Sorry to interrupt, but there was yelling and crying, and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

Her eyes quickly dart around the room as if she’s trying to take in as much as possible to make a quick assessment. Cara is still knocked out on the couch, fully clothed. Not much to see there. Danielle is in my arms, and Amelia might have heard us sayI love you.

“We’re fine.” I smile at her.

She points back into the alley with her thumb. “Okay, I’m going to head home if you don’t need me, Dani.”

I glance down to her and her to me. Our eyes lock, and I see everything swimming in those melted chocolate orbs. There is not a doubt in my mind that we are anything but good. We’ve got some work to do, but we are most certainly all right. Danielle will be okay. I’ll make sure I glue her back together. It’s only fair after she brought me to life.

She smiles at me. “I’m going to be fine, Amelia.”

She turns to leave, but I stop her.

“Amelia, my friend Evan is downstairs. Ask Roxy who he is and tell him Cara is sleeping upstairs and that he needs to make sure you get home okay. Don’t head home alone at this hour, or I’ll call your mom.”

Danielle lets out a throaty laugh. I’ve never met their mother, but Danielle has told me all about her fears of her daughters living in the city. I’m concerned she might have a legit anxiety issue when it comes to city life.

“You two are perfect for each other.” She shakes her head before heading down the metal staircase.

“I’m really happy you came here tonight.”

“Me too,” she says. “I was a little worried for a few minutes. But I’m really glad I came too.”

I kiss the top of her head as she snuggles her face into my shirt.

“How do you want to celebrate the World Series win?”

“Wrapped around you.”

She laughs. “Be serious. Tonight was huge for you. I’m sorry I interrupted whatever plans you had.”

“Fuck the Dodgers,” I tell her as I drop my hand down and pick her up. “I got my girl back tonight. That’s so much bigger than the Dodgers winning the World Series.”

Chapter Forty

Danielle

Ryan looms above me, lookingmore beautiful than ever. His eyes shine like a beacon of lust, desire, and most importantly, love. A sheen of sweat coats his chest and shoulders. His arms cage me in, making me feel at home.

“Make love to me, Ryan.”