Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jane
Just when I think life can’t surprise me any further, there’s somebody waiting for me when I get home.
“What is this?” I linger by the stairs, wary at the sight of Anthony James sitting outside my apartment door. Anthony and several suitcases.
Okay, that’s...curious.
He gets up, brushing off the seat of his jeans. Even in jeans he’s delectable. I remind myself of how he broke my heart, and how much I hate him for it, before the sight of him melts my resolve like a dish of ice cream left out in the sun. His smile is genuine, but there’s a little vulnerability in his eyes.
“This is me taking a stand for what I want, for once.”
Well, that makes no sense. I wait for more, but that’s as eloquent as he feels like being at the moment, apparently.
“Huh? And those are for...what? You think you’re going to move in with me or something? Isn’t that a bit of a step down for you? I don’t even think all those suitcases could fit inside my place.”
He laughs, and it’s a real, honest sound. “Why don’t you come a little closer, and I’ll tell you why I’m really here? I don’t feel like shouting down the hall for all your neighbors to hear.”
Yes, but if I’m much closer to him, I won’t be able to resist his charm. Damn him for always putting me in this position. Just once, I’d like to feel like I have the upper hand. I take one slow step after another until we’re standing face-to-face, but on opposite sides of the hallway. I lean against the wall across from my door. That’s as close as I trust myself to be to him.
“Okay. So? What’s this all about?”
Instead of replying, he holds out one hand. But as I look down, I realize he’s not trying to hold my hand. He’s holding something out to me. Plane tickets. “I bought these for you and me.”
I’m beginning to think that today is going to be all about blindsiding me.
“Excuse me?”
His voice is eager, hopeful. “I cashed in the last of my savings and bought these. They’re open-ended. We can go anywhere you want. I don’t care. As long as I’m with you, I’ll be happy anywhere.”
I bite down on my lip and try to process what he’s telling me. I feel like I’m on overload. “You think I’ll forget everything that’s happened just because you throw a plane ticket at me? You think I can just drop my life and run off with you?”
To my surprise, he doesn’t crack under my questions. He doesn’t blow off what I’m feeling or saying. He doesn’t tell me that it’s too much. Instead, he says the last thing I expect.
“You’re right. It’s a lot to ask. But this is a gesture, more than anything else. Even if you don’t want to go anywhere, that’s fine. I’ll stick around here. I’ll give up everything—not that there’s all that much to give up anymore. Nothing I care about anyway.” He gives me a soft sort of smile, his eyes glowing. “You showed me that I had nothing before I met you. You’re everything, and I meant it when I said I love you. That hasn’t changed. I’ll get a job, support you, whatever you want. As long as you’re with me.”
Less than an hour ago, someone offered me what I thought was everything. Now I see the truth, though. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. Not a job or money or a new apartment, but a man who loves me. A man who is willing to put his pride aside. To put aside everything else. For me.
It’s all so clear now.
He’s so hopeful as he waits for me to respond. His eyes radiate love and hope. He wants me. Us. He’s willing to throw away everything to be with me. He’s choosing me even though he knows it’s going to be hard.
After a long, silent moment, I finally give him a response. “You don’t have to do any of that—supporting me, I mean.”
The light leaves his eyes, and his shoulders slump. “You’re saying no?”
I shake my head. “I’m saying I don’t need the money. Your father offered me a job.”
He takes it surprisingly well. “I should’ve known. Well, congratulations. You deserve it.”
“I didn’t take it.”
The light reappears. “You didn’t?”
I shake my head with a smile. “Not after what he said about you. I could never work for him, knowing the kind of person he is. Let him work with your cousin and be around a suck-up all day long. They deserve each other.”
His laugh is music to my ears. “I can’t believe it! Somebody finally said no to my old man. He’s probably still trying to process it.”
I can’t help but laugh with him. “Yeah, he did seem a little taken aback. I did say yes to one thing, though. The offer to pay me for the Chambersmith ideas in exchange for an NDA about my part in it.” I take a dramatic pause as my smile widens. I can hardly believe it, but my name’s right there on the check. “A quarter of a million dollars, in fact.”
He beams, and all I see is pride on his face. Not a trace of jealousy or resentment. “You deserve it. I’m so happy for you.”
When he opens his arms to me, I walk into them. I don’t even have to think about it.
“I’m so sorry for everything,” he whispers in my ear as I sink into his embrace. “You were right. I should have been honest with you. And I’ve always ran when things get hard, but not anymore.”
“I’m sorry, too,” I say. “We both should’ve been honest. Let’s promise to do better from here on out.”
“You deserve better than me, Jane, but I swear I’ll do everything in my power to earn your trust back.”
I pull away to look up into his eyes. “I believe you. And I trust you.”
“I meant it when I said I love you. I love you so much, Jane.” He runs his fingertips over my cheek, then along my jawline until he reaches my chin. His touch is soft and electric and everything.
He’s everything.
“I love you, too.” There are tears in my eyes when he pulls me closer for the deepest, sweetest kiss of my life.
The first of what I hope will be many.