“And the last few days? You’ve been distant. If you don’t want to be with me anymore, just say so. Don’t make me guess or chase you around, looking like an idiot. I don’t like it. I’d rather you hurt me but be truthful.” His eyes well with tears, and I swear if one falls, I will destroy myself for putting them there, but the idea of him thinking I don’t want him is unfathomable. I’m a fool. I should have let Noah hit me.
“No, baby, I don’t want any of those things. I’m crazy about you. I was in my own head after our run-in with Penelope and Matt. I was second-guessing myself again. I went down a grief spiral, and I didn’t want you to see me like that.”
“But I want to be there for you,” he retorts, playing with my fingers. “I don’t want you only when you’re happy. I want to be part of your life, and that means the bad days as well.”
Jesus Christ, I love this boy.
“I know. I just felt like I had so much baggage and bad days, I worried if I showed you more, you’d run the other way. I should have known differently, and from now on, no matter how bad things are, I will.” Reaching up, I cup his cheek. When he doesn’t pull away, I almost cheer. “I’m so sorry, baby boy. I got lost in my head and let my thoughts win. It will never happen again.”
“I thought I was losing you,” he admits as he leans into my hand, closing his eyes as a tear slips free. I will remember the sight of it for the rest of my life, so I never put another there again.
“Never,” I vow vehemently. “I’m so sorry I made you feel that way.When I get upset, I tend to withdraw and deal with it myself, but I won’t from now on, okay?”
He nods, opening his eyes. As I press closer to him, his thighs part for me, and I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing Noah is right.
Mackie is good at forgiving, but I will never do anything to warrant it again.
I cup his face with both hands. “My beautiful, beautiful boy.”
“Don’t do it again, okay? I want you here. Noah will accept that,” he mutters.
“He already told me. He was the one who called me and told me I was an idiot.” His mouth drops open in shock, and I laugh in delight as I lean in and kiss him. “I guess that means he’s starting to like me.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” he teases, making me smile.
“Okay, maybe accept me.” I lean my head against his, looking into his eyes. “After this party in your honor, how about we have a private race so I can watch you? I’ll cheer so loudly from the stands, you’ll think I was there today.”
He perks up, his grin growing until his dimples show, and then I fully relax, knowing my sunshine is back.
“Okay, now kiss me and make it all better.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” I whisper as I drag him down and kiss him softly. His mouth opens, and I deepen it until our tongues tangle, and he moans into my mouth, pressing closer. It’s hell to pull away, but I do, and I smile at him. “Let’s get you to your party. You’re the star, after all.”
“I’d rather stay here,” he murmurs, his eyes on my lips.
Chuckling, I stand and offer him my hand. “Later,” I promise. “Come on, baby boy, let’s go meet your fans.”
He grumbles but he takes my hand, and I know we’ll be okay.
I release his hand once we are in the garage. I don’t want to hurt Noah, and besides, this is Mackie’s night. I follow him around as he talks toeveryone, shining brightly. People are drawn over until there’s a crowd around him, and I understand why.
He just has this aura about him. Mackie makes everyone laugh and smile. He’s amazing to be around, and he exudes happiness.
“Fixed it?” Alek mutters at my side, and Evan looks on.
“Yes.” I nod and look between them. “I’m in love with Mackie.”
Alek looks between me and Mackie before finding Noah in the crowd. “He knows.”
I smile, and Noah nods. “If you want to know, and he’s okay, you can ask him.”
“Jesus, you guys can’t do anything simple, can you?” Alek offers, but he shrugs. “Fair enough, as long as you don’t hurt anyone.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” Evan comments, just as Mackie looks back at me, even though he is speaking to someone else. I smile, letting him know I’m here. When he turns, I catch the eye of an older man in the crowd. He’s glaring at me, and I blink and look away.
An hour or so later, I escape to Noah’s office with Mackie for a breather. I don’t think he actually needs one, but he probably senses I do. After all, I’m not really a party person, never have been, but I’ll try for him.
The door opens as I’m leaning into his shoulder, and we both turn, expecting Noah, but that same older man is framed in the doorway. He glares as he shuts the door, and Mackie jumps, his eyes wide.
