Chapter 31
“Y-you… What?”he asks.
Oh my gosh. What am I doing here? What the heck am I doing here?
Flying to Tennessee wasn’t the plan. Not originally. When I started packing, the plan was to run away. I was going to get all my stuff out of Owen’s apartment and run away.
But instead, I came here.
“I told your parents I love you.” I start pacing, wringing my hands as I go. “They found out about everything, came to Em3rge, and yelled at me. Like we were in a Jane Austen novel and I was some worthless peasant girl who dared to chase after their wealthy, noble son who would someday inherit the family fortune. They called me a viper and said I was forbidden from seeing you ever again. They said I was fired and that they were going to sic their lawyers on me and all these other awful things.”
“Junie, they—”
“But I didn’t want to let them win. It felt like they were winning, and I was mad and didn’t want to let them win, so I yelled back at them. Well, maybe not yelled, but I talked to them sternly. I told them they couldn’t fire me and they couldn’t forbid me from seeing you, but they kept being mean, so I told them I loved you. Then I slammed the door in their faces. Oh my gosh, that felt so good.”
I stop pacing and turn to Owen. Pain is shining in his eyes. “I see. So you only told them you love me to make them upset.”
“Sort of, but also…” I step closer to him. “I realized it’s true. I do love you.”
His eyebrows tick up. “You do?”
“Yeah. Which, by the way, is really hard and scary for me to admit. Like, seriously, I feel like I might puke, so that’s part of the reason I’m keeping my distance.”
Owen’s head dips to the side, a funny little smile playing on his lips. He steps dangerously closer. “I’m not scared.”
“Well, I am. Like, super scared. I had this realization while you were gone. I’m not just afraid to put myself out there, I’m afraid no one will stick around for me when I do. It’s been my experience my whole life. When you left, I told myself I was fine and that I knew you’d be back, but then I couldn’t get ahold of you and my dad said some awful things—”
“Your dad?” Owen reaches out, tucking a piece of red hair behind my ear. He’s inching closer and closer, and I’m letting him. “What happened with your dad?”
I sigh, leaning into his touch. “It’s a long story. But the point is, I almost let all that stuff scare me away.”
“But you didn’t end up running.” His hands are on my waist now. Each fingertip sears through my shirt, making my stomach churn in a different way.
“No. I came here instead. I decided to be brave. Partly because I might be a little bit crazy and couldn’t stand going another minute without hearing from you, but also because I didn’t want you to hear that I love you from your parents. I wanted to tell you myself. And it’s okay if you’re not ready to say it ba—”
“I love you too.”
I swallow. “You do?”
Owen leans closer, his eyes darkening a shade. His hands squeeze my waist as he pulls me flush against him. “Yes. I love you, Juniper. Everything about you.”
“Everything?” For some reason my brain catches on that word, casting doubt on it like a fisherman casting a net over a school of fish. It seems so impossible, considering all my many flaws and the short time we’ve known each other. Me loving him? Yeah, that was bound to happen the longer I worked for him. But the feelings being reciprocated?
“Yes, Juniper. Everything.” His voice is husky and makes me shiver. “Your hair.” He picks up a few strands in his fingers and kisses them. “Your eyes.” He tilts my head up and graces the corner of my eye with a kiss. “Your sense of humor and your laugh.” My head tilts further up, and his lips brush my throat. “Your intelligence.” Down goes my chin, and this time, he kisses my forehead. “The way you blush when you’re embarrassed.” Kiss. “Your kindness.” Kiss. “Your goodness.” Kiss.
My legs turn to jello. With every word and every subsequent touch of his lips against my skin, I get more and more dizzy. My eyelids flutter closed, and for a moment, I’m suspended in an eternity of agonizing bliss.
Eventually he stops, and we hold each other like we may never let go. I’ve been thoroughly kissed. Every nerve ending is singing. Except…
“You forgot a place,” I murmur against his neck.
Owen pulls back slightly. “Hm? Where?”
“You never said you love my lips.”
A wolfish gleam enters his eyes, and he pulls me in for another kiss. What are the odds he’ll let me hole up with him in this hotel room for the rest of eternity?