31. Heidi
HEIDI
Imessage Max to meet me at his apartment. He’s already there by the time I arrive, the door swinging open before my knuckles can even graze it.
He looks different. The effortless composure he wears for the cameras is gone, leaving something exhausted in its place. His hair is a mess, his shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, and he’s looking at me with a bone-deep, terrifying focus.
I can’t even get a word out. I just stare at him.
“You saw it?” he asks.
“You made it impossible not to.” I glance behind him. “Can I come in?”
He steps back, letting me through. I take a steadying breath as he closes the door.
“I panicked,” I say. “I was so scared of the scrutiny. I didn’t want them to see us.”
“It doesn’t matter what they see,” he says, his gaze locking onto mine.
“I know. Let me finish.” I take a step closer to him. “I was so worried about my reputation and my career—about being caught doing the ‘wrong’ thing—that I lost track of what actually matters. I’m so sorry.”
I step into his arms. “Tell me we’re okay.”
“We’re okay,” he says. “Better than okay.”
He holds me tight, his heart racing against mine. He catches my hand, pausing when he feels the metal against my skin. He pulls back, looking at the ring, and slowly slides it off my finger.
Before I can react, he drops to one knee. He holds the ring up, his eyes never leaving mine.
“I should have done this properly the first time. I don’t want a season with you, Heidi. I want a lifetime. Will you be my wife?”
“Yes,” I say, the word coming out as a sob and a laugh at once.
He slides the ring back into place and stands, pulling me against him again. I take in his scent and his warmth. For the first time in days, I feel safe. Like nothing can touch me as long as he’s with me.
“Guess you’re joining Team Carter after all, hm?”
I laugh. He’s impossible, but he’s mine. I lean my forehead against his, closing the space between us.
“Team Carter,” I agree. I pull him closer, certain this is exactly where I belong.