“I love you too, so fucking much.” I pulled her closer, needing more contact. She came willingly and straddled my thighs, her eyes almost level with mine.
“I was upset that day, because I was scared I put you off of me somehow. I thought you didn’t want me Kyle, and I was panicking.”
“Why the hell would you think that?” I growled hating that she would ever doubt my feelings for her.
“I was being a brat.” She laughed a little as she looked down to her hands. “I couldn’t understand why you wouldn’t kiss me. I was pouting over it and getting all worked up, sure I was doing something to put you off. Keira found me sulking and sorted me out.”
“She told you why I’m scared to get too close.” I sighed as I realised what my Mom’s thinking had been.
“I get it Kyle. I was being selfish and only thinking about myself. I get that you need time to be ready, and that’s ok. As long as I have you, I don’t care how slow we move things. I’ll wait forever if that’s what you need, as long as you’re mine in some way.”
“Baby. I’m already yours, in every way. I just…..I’m so scared that getting close to you, will mean I lose you. I’ve already lost too many people that mattered to me. I can not lose you.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I already survived eight years of Hell, escaped, then survived being kidnapped and bled out by a killer. I think we have proved I’m pretty much indestructible.” She was smiling, and making it into a joke, but it killed me to hear what she had been through. It just seemed so much worse when she said it flippantly like that.
“I wouldn’t survive it, Liv. Losing you would end me.” I admitted.
“You would survive it, because you’re strong, and because you have a family to live for and protect, but it doesn’t matter, because I am not going anywhere. I am strong, and I have been through all of the bad luck one girl can ever have. I know you see me as this fragile, breakable thing, and in some ways I am, but I’m also tough and smart. I can protect myself, and I have all of you guys at my back. I am not going to die, just because you get close to me.”
“I know. You’re right, you are tough, stronger than anyone I know. I know I’m being dramatic, but I can’t just shake my fears. It’s just taking me a while to talk myself around. I’ll get there, I promise.”
“I know you will. There’s no hurry, but just know, when you’re ready, I am too.” She said softly. I wanted to lean in and kiss her there and then, screw my fears. But I couldn’t, because I just had this feeling of dread, that as soon as I took that leap, and jumped all of the way in with her, I would drown her.
“Thank you, for the picture. It really is the only thing I have ever truly wanted since I lost Reece, and I love it so fucking much. It’s going to help me remember the good, instead of the bad.” I sighed, as I looked round behind me, to where the picture sat.
“As long as it’s not too upsetting?”
“It’s not. I was just so overwhelmed. I’m sorry I stormed out.”
“All I care about is that you’re good.” She ran her hands through my hair as she spoke, and it felt amazing, sending tingles through my whole body, like a fucking horny teenager.
“I am. I’m more than good.”
“Thank you for all of the presents from you and the guys. I loved them all.” She said with a smile. I loved seeing her smile. It was like a little piece of heaven every time.
“You didn’t open the big one from Kade and I, did you?” I’d kill Kade if he showed her without me! She looked up at me sheepishly as she spoke.
“Was it the books?”
“No Baby, it wasn’t the books.” I laughed.
“Well I really liked the books, so thank you.”
“Come on. Let’s find Kade so you can see what we actually got you.” I said, loving her excitement over some damn math books. I loved my little geek so much. There was nothing in the world I wouldn’t do to protect and care for her.
CHAPTER 7
OLIVIA
“Just a little further.” Kade said as he ushered me forward a few more steps. I had been blindfolded by Cole, with one of Keira’s scarves, and then led between Kyle and Kade through the house. I had no idea where we were going, only that they had one more gift for me.
Cole and Matt were following us, and I could hear them, bouncing around, unable to hide their excitement. I had to admit I was pretty excited too. It seemed I liked surprises.
“Ok. Stop there.” Kyle ordered, so I stopped and pressed a hand to the shoulder beside me, not sure if it was Kyle or Kade, but grateful for the steadying presence. The blindfold was making me feel off centre.
“Ok Love. This is from Kyle and I.” Kade said, then the blindfold was pulled away. We were in the media room, and before me, in the space where there had once been the air hockey table, sat a beautiful, black gloss, baby grand piano, just like the one my Dad had in our home.
“Oh God!” I cried, followed by a huge sob.
“It’s the same as the one you played in the shop that day. It’s been tuned.” Kyle explained as I just stood, completely overcome with a range of emotions. It felt so good,
