Her lower lip quivers as she crosses her arms over her chest, but she doesn’t say anything.
“Talk to me, Nora,” I plead, my voice softening as I take in the gorgeous girl in front of me.
“Why me?” she whispers.
“Because you’re you. I don’t know how else to explain it. You balance me out. You see things from a different perspective. You’re compassionate. You’re kind. You’re clean. You’re consistent. You’re…you’re everything. I wouldn’t want this if I didn’t think we could make it. I think about hurting you. About not being able to commit to you. And it makes me feel like someone is ripping me apart limb by limb. Will you please try this with me?”
Standing up, she runs her fingers through her tangled hair in frustration. “But what about our future, Gage? I want the white picket fence. I want to get married. I want to have babies and a dog. You want freedom, and I can’t waste my time with someone who doesn’t want what I do.”
Her barriers are still firmly in place, and it pisses me off. How can she not see that she’s enough? That any man would be lucky to claim her, and I’m trying to do exactly that. Closing the distance between us with slow, deliberate steps, I raise my hand and cup her cheek. “When I’m with you, I don’t feel tied down. Maybe the stars really did align to bring me to you. But I’d be a fool to let you go.”
With a shallow breath, she whispers, “Are you sure, Gage?”
“About us?”
“Yeah.” Her gaze is filled with barely-restrained hope, and the sight is enough to disperse the last of my reservations.
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I admit, “I’m unsure about a lot of things, but I know that I want the real deal with you. So tell me something, Pretty Girl. Do you want me too?”
“More than anything.”
“Then, I guess it’s settled.”
Her grin practically lights up the room. “I guess it is.”
Squeezing her eyes shut, she raises her chin, and I savor this moment before kissing her. Again. Only this time, I crack the damn egg to let her know that we’re both in this together.
And we’re gonna make some damn good brownies.
Epilogue - Gage
One Year Later
“Hey, Bertie,” I greet her while setting a cup of coffee on the reception desk.
“Is this––”
“Coffee as black as your ex’s soul?” I wink. “Why, yes. Yes, it is.”
“Why do I only attract assholes, Gage?”
“Maybe because you’re looking in the wrong places. Have you decided whether you’re going to attend the singles’ cruise this year?”
“I dunno,” she hedges.
“You should. Nora is friends with one of the bartenders. She thinks you two would hit it off.”
“You think?”
I shrug. Hell if I know, but I’m not about to douse the hope shining in Bertie’s eyes. “Sure. Why not?”
“Then I guess I’ll pack my bags. Nora is lucky to have you, you know.”
I wave her off. “Nah, I’m the lucky one to have her. And you should be grateful she trained me to bring in coffee whenever I stop by her office. Is she still getting ready?”
“Yup. The makeup artist is finishing up with her. Then you guys should be all set for the interview.”
“Sounds good. Will Conner and Gem be joining us too?”
Conner and Gem didn’t work out romantically, but they did become great friends. The reporter is planning to spin their relationship as a plan B for anyone who decides to purchase tickets to the second annual Written in the Stars Singles’ Cruise. Nora and I…well, we’re plan A. Find the love of your life, whether you’re actively looking or they fall into your lap.
Nora and I have been dating for a year now, and I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. I just hope she feels the same way.
“Yo! Gage! Get your butt in here!” Gem shouts down the hall.
Rolling my eyes, I wave to Bertie. “See ya later.”
“Good luck!” she returns before taking a sip of coffee.
The glass doors to the conference room give me a perfect view of Gem and Conner, who look like they’re about to get started with their portion of the interview. Raising her pointer finger, she tells the interviewer to give her a second, then steps into the hall where I’m still standing.
“Nora is in her office. They decided to set up the makeup station there.”
“Bertie told me.”
Releasing a deep breath, she nods. “Okay, good. Are you ready?”
I pat my front pocket. “Yeah. Do you think she’s going to be mad at me for putting her on the spot in front of a cameraman?”
“Meh. She’ll be fine. Besides, I had to run it past Jess who thinks it’s going to be the best free advertising that Polished––and the cruise––has ever seen.”
Dropping my voice low, I whisper-shout, “You told Jess too?”
“Dude. I had to. She’s my boss. But I promise she didn’t say a word to anyone else, and neither have I. You got this.”
I squeeze the back of my neck before muttering, “Yeah, yeah. I’m going to go find Nora. Good luck with the interview.”
“You too.” She gives me a quick wink, then saunters back into the conference room while I head a little further down the hall to find my future wife.
If she’ll have me.
Nora
“Alright, you’re done. What do you think?” the makeup artist asks while inspecting her handiwork.
Raising a hand mirror a foot away from my face, I do a quick scan before grinning. “Looks great! Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now, where’s your boyfriend? It’s his turn.”
“He texted a few minutes ago and said he was on his way. He should be here any––”
“Hey, Pretty Girl,” Gage’s deep voice greets me as his dark brown loafers carry him closer.
With a quick kiss on my cheek, he compliments, “You look gorgeous.”
“Why, thank you. You don’t look so bad
