I walk fast in Liv’s direction, clutching her arm in an urgent way. “Liv, we need to talk.”
“What? Damon, no, we don’t. What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you. Now.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? Tonight of all nights?” Her voice elevates, gaining the attention of the people around us.
“Yes.” I pull her into the back, where I know her office is hidden and out of sight.
“Are you hell bent on ruining my life?”
“No, of course not. That’s why I’m here.”
“To do what? Say you’re sorry? Ask for my forgiveness? Tell me you’ll never hurt me again?” she mocks me.
“Well, yes, all of those things.” She steals the wind right out of my sails.
“You can save it. The answer is no. Let me put it simply. We are never, ever, getting back together. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a room full of people I have to mingle with. Have a nice life.” She begins to stride off, but I jump in front of her.
“Liv, okay, I know you’re upset. What I did was a totally shitty thing, and I’m sorry. And I know I don’t deserve a second chance—"
“I’m glad you said it,” she cuts me off.
“Okay, please. I just have one thing to show you,” I implore her.
“What?” she huffs, crossing her arms.
I stick my hand in the pocket of my jeans and show her the five green M&Ms. “Do you remember? When you were twelve?” I ask hopefully.
Her face softens just a bit as she peers down at my palm.
“When I fractured my leg and couldn’t leave the house? You would drop off green M&Ms every day after school just to cheer me up? Of course, I remember. But what does that have to do with anything, Damon?”
“We have a history, Liv. I didn't know it then, but I know it now. We were always meant to be together.”
“That doesn’t mean we should be together. You can’t tell me you love me. Tell me you want to have children with me, then turn around and push me away. I told you from the beginning, I need to be with a man I can trust.”
“You can trust me. You can trust I will always bring you green M&Ms when you’re hurt. Hold your hand when you’re scared, wipe your tears when you cry, and be your armor always.”
“You were the reason I cried,” she objects, her voice straining.
“I know I was, but I’ll never be again.” I take her cheeks. “I will never stop falling in love with you. You just have to give me one last chance to prove it.”
“I don’t have any more chances to give.” She’s adamant on not making this easy.
“Yes, you do. You’re the Bowman’s daughter, and the strongest woman I have ever met. You’re who I need in my life. Your father even said so.”
Liv visibly breaks down. “That’s a low blow bringing my father into it.”
“I never said I played fair.” I rest my forehead against hers. “I was afraid you were going to reject me, Livey. So I pushed you away first,” I confess.
“I would have never done that. I just wanted to be there for you.” She begins to cry.
“I know.” I drop a soft, emotive kiss on her lips. “I know that now, and I’m sorry. I amsosorry.”
“You should be.”
“I am.” I plead with my one good eye.
