Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
“I miss him so much, Elodie.” I swipe away the tears blurring my vision as I look at my sister on the screen of my phone.
“Then tell him, honey. Tell him how you feel. The good, the bad, and the ugly.”
“I just don’t know how I can ever get past him keeping that from me. He had countless opportunities to tell me. And while he didn't exactly betray me personally, he left me wondering what else I should know but don’t.”
I know he may not have been ready to talk about it, but it makes me feel dirty. Like I was just someone to use between the two of them.
“I’ve never seen you like this over a guy, Brogan. Which leads me to believe he isn’t just some guy.”
“He’s not,” I tell her truthfully, looking down into my lap. “He’s so different from any other guys I’ve met.”
“Babe,” she says sternly, making my eyes find hers. “Then what the hell are you talking to me for? Go get him.”
She’s right. “You’re right.” For the first time in over a week, a smile grows on my face. “I’m gonna go get my man.” I blow her a kiss then end the call.
I spring to my feet and shuffle around my room until I find my slipper shoes. Not caring that I’m wearing a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt with no bra, I slide them on. Excitement ripples through me. I’m not sure why I waited so long to go to him—everyone close to me would say it’s my stubbornness—but I’m going to him now.
I’m really doing this.
Just as I pull open my door to leave, I remember Hayes has a game tonight. It might be over, but there’s a good chance he’s at Legends. I could call him, or text him, but I need to do this in person.
Damnit.
I go to push the door closed, but it stops just shy of latching. In a swift motion, I rip it open and there he is.
“Hayes.” Tears spring to my eyes. “You’re here?”
“In the flesh.” His thumb swipes under my eye, wiping away the dampness. “I’ve missed you, Legs.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” A surge of warmth rushes through me as I fall into him. My heart swells as he wraps his forgiving arms around me. “I’m so sorry I ignored you.” I take a step back so I can see his gorgeous face. “I wasn’t being fair and I know that now.”
Hayes puts an arm around me, resting his hand on the small of my back as he leads me back into my room. “You don't have anything to apologize for. I’m the one who’s sorry.” He closes the door behind us. “I should have told you Kamden is my brother. My hatred toward him got the best of me and I guess I didn’t want anyone to know I could be related to such a heartless prick. Let alone, be the son of one.”
I shake my head because I already understand that part. “What hurt me the most is that you didn't trust me enough to tell me in the first place. But now I know, it wasn’t about me. It was about you. I don’t care that Kamden is your brother—or who your father is.” I grab his hand and stroke it gently.
“Of course you don’t. You’re the most understanding person I’ve ever met, Legs.” His lips twitch with a smile. He knows damn well I’m the least understanding person he’s ever met. I’m not even a little bit surprised that he’s cracking a joke to lighten the mood right now. It’s what he does.
I swat him playfully. “You're such a pain in the ass, Hayes.”
His brow arches. “Wow. Thanks. I think.”
I pace in front of him, saying everything I should have said a long time ago. “You really are, though. You say all the wrong things at all the wrong times. You put words in my mouth and you overanalyze every.single.thing.I.say . You’re crazy, and you make me crazy.” My feet stop moving and I look at him watching my insanity unfold. “I mean listen to me, I don’t even know what I’m saying.”
“You were in the middle of giving me an array of compliments.” Stepping up to me, he puts his hands on my waist. “Just say what you’re trying to say, Legs.”
“Ugh,” I grumble, knowing I’m screwing this up and nothing I want to say is coming out right. “I guess what I’m trying to say is; you keep me on my toes. You put me in my place and I need that. I don’t think a day has gone by since you came back into my life that you haven’t surprised me. The bad boy facade you put on for everyone else is lost when you’re with me. You’re sweet and considerate and not the arrogant asshole I thought you were.”
“Stop.” His hand sweeps through the air. “Now you’re just making me blush.”
“I’m serious, Hayes.” I stand in front of him, mere inches from his face. “You’re my balance and I don’t want to ever be without you again.” I gulp. “Now that I’ve gotten all that off my chest, is there anything you want to say?”
“I have a lot to say.” He jerks my body flush with his, our noses brush and he whispers, “I don’t like many people, Legs. But I’m sort of crazy about you.”
I thought I needed to hear that I wasn’t a game to him, but I think deep down I already knew. I know Hayes, and I think he might know me pretty well too. “You are?”
“So fucking crazy about you,” he sings. “In fact, I think it’s safe to say, I’ve fallen head over heels in love with you.”
My heart expands inside my chest, filling me with a feeling of contentment. “I love you, too, Hayes.” No truer words have been said. I love him.
The warmth of his breath hits my skin as he softly presses his lips against mine. A spark of electricity shoots through my body, making my heart race as I melt into him.
Nothing else matters. And the last week without him is a distant memory.
For the first time, it feels like all the pieces of my life have fallen into place and I know without a doubt that Hayes is my person.
When the kiss ends, Hayes’ lips ghost my ear and he whispers, “Do you still have that video?”
“Sure do.” I nod with a grin.
“What do you say we delete it and create something even hotter?”
“Mmm,” I hum. “I like the way you think.”