I’m sitting face-to-face with Justin outside on the balcony of Teddy’s apartment, and even though he’s the master at keeping his feelings under wraps, I think I’ve finally figured it out.
He’s scared.
His parents didn’t love him—not unconditionally, not with their whole hearts like they should have—and now, he doesn’t really believe in how lovable he actually is.
But still part of me can’t believe he’d just throw away what we have because he’s scared. I know I should probably take my pride and walk away. But I’m just not willing to do that. I guess I’m more stubborn than I thought.
“I know this is more than we bargained for, that this is more than what we set out for this to become, but I think you’re running scared right now because you feel something for me, and you don’t know how to handle it.”
He doesn’t disagree and my God, his eyes—they are so dark and intense—I feel it all the way down in the depths of my soul.
His lips part, but before he can respond, the sound of the door opening interrupts us and when I look up, I see Owen strolling out.
“You okay?” he asks, stopping across from us.
I nod. “I’m fine. We’re just talking.”
Owen’s gaze cuts straight through me. “About?”
“I know your opinion on things, but I care about Elise,” Justin says. “I would never hurt her intentionally. I lov—” He stops himself, but my smile is huge.
Love.
Justin loves me.
Even if it scares him. Even if this is a horrible idea. Even if Owen is about to punch him and cause immeasurable pain—he loves me.
Me.
His best friend’s little sister.
The girl who has admired him from afar all these years.
“I won’t mess this up,” he says, looking directly at me, but talking to Owen.
“We’re going to have words about this,” Owen says, his tone holds the edge of a warning. “The first hint of you dicking her around, I’ll take you out with my bare hands.” And then seconds later, he’s strolling back inside.
I launch myself into Justin’s arms, smiling.
I press a kiss to his scruffy cheek and can feel him smiling back against my lips. “Did you really mean all that?”
“Every word,” he says, voice gruff. “I’ve fallen for you. So fucking hard.”
My heart clenches in my chest.
“When you made me that key …”
I stop him. “It scared you.”
He nods. “It did, but that’s just stupid.” I’m about to disagree with him, to tell him it’s not stupid, but he keeps talking. “I’m done being scared. I know I might not be boyfriend material, and it’s possible that I’ll suck at all of this, but I want to try. For you. Because the idea of living without you in my life?”
His expression in pained. I lean in and press a soft kiss to his lips.
“You won’t suck.”
He smiles. And wow, it is so good to see him smile again. A knot of unease I’ve been carrying around inside me all week evaporates in an instant. “You sure about that?”
I pat his scruffy cheek again. “I’m positive. Unless you plan on hooking up with puck bunnies or doing something incredibly stupid like…”
I don’t get to finish because he’s shaking his head and scowling at me. “I would never do that to you. You’re the only one I want.”
Maybe it’s crazy, and maybe it’s completely foolish of me, but I actually believe him. I know Justin’s been with enough women to know what he wants. And if he says he wants me…I believe him.
Leaning closer, I press my lips to his and Justin’s fingers sink into the hair at the back of my neck, holding me close so he can deepen the kiss. His tongue sweeps against mine and heat flickers low in my belly.
“You want to go back inside and play poker?” he asks, breaking our connection, but keeping his forehead against mine.
I shake my head. “I have a better idea.”
His smirk is delicious. “And what would that be?”
“You. Me. My place.”
“Fuck yes,” he whispers. “Let’s go.”
I feel almost giddy as we head inside. And almost immediately all eyes in the room whip over to us. Justin laces his fingers through mine, as if to announce to the world that we’re together.
I secretly love that he’s not being shy about this. I love that we’re coming out as a couple to our friends. After months of hiding what happened between us and hiding my feelings, this is a very welcome change of pace.
I lean my head on his shoulder, the difference in height between us exaggerated. Justin rubs one hand along my shoulder, keeping me close. “So, we’re going to … get out of here.”
There are whoops and hollers and catcalls from around the room.
And then money changes hands, Asher paying Teddy with a frown. “You were right,” he mutters.
“What the?” Justin asks.
Teddy shrugs. “We made a bet. It’s about damn time you guys realized how perfect you are for each other.”
I see Becca grinning at me from the kitchen.
“That’s fucked up,” Owen grumbles, obviously grossed out that his own friends took bets on his sister and best friend.
When we cross the room, Justin stops in front of Owen and shakes his hand. I’m just relived when Owen doesn’t punch him. Some silent understanding passes between them and I grin at their exchange, finally feeling at peace that everything is out in the open. But then Justin is pulling me toward the front door, and a whole new wave of emotion hits me.
