Page 160 of Floored By Love

It felt longer than the five seconds it was, but when we pulled back, I couldn’t help but smile, and notice Colton and Orion were both holding their phones out, recording us. There was a large camera from NBC pointed at us as well. The cameraman gave us a thumbs up, and Luke and I laughed.

“See you in a bit,” he said, extracting himself from my arms.

I leaned in for a quick peck. “Can’t get enough of that.”

“You can have all of it you want later.”

“Okay, okay, people can hear you. Let’s move, boys,” Colton said, ushering me away.

I kept Luke in my sights for as long as I could before the crowd swallowed him up.

My knee was bouncing. Some guy was on stage making a speech, but all I cared about was the seat next to mine. It was still empty.

I looked at my phone.

Luke: On my way.

That was twenty minutes ago.

“It’s a big stadium. I’m sure he’ll be here in no time,” Colton said, patting my knee.

The littlest part of me started questioning reality. It couldn’t help but start drawing parallels to Brisbane.

He’ll be here. He’ll be here.

I must’ve let out the biggest sigh of relief when I saw Luke excusing himself past spectators at the end of our row.

“See, what’d I tell ya?”

I stood up and hugged him as soon as he was close enough, and then we sat down together. He intertwined his fingers with mine immediately.

“Sorry, I took so long. I got lost.”

“No prob-” My voice cracked, so I cleared my throat. “Problem.”

“I’m sorry if you were worried.”

“You made it, and you’re here now.”

I tried to slow my breathing without being obvious. I felt like everyone could hear my beating heart.

Something was happening on stage. The English flag was being lowered, and an American flag was being raised. Another person was talking, but I couldn’t hear anything but Luke.

“I’ve really enjoyed the last few days, and I can’t wait to go back to Florida with you.”

“I’m really happy that you’re coming home with us.”

“I’m really happy you forgave me. Earlier, when I experienced a fraction of what it must’ve been like. I thought about that moment so many times, but I don’t think I’ve ever come close to imagining how awful it was. I’m so, so sorry.”

“It’s really okay, Luke. I’m okay. We’re going to be okay. More than okay.”

“If you keep saying okay, I’m going to think it’s not okay.”

I smiled and took a breath. “We’re together. That’s what matters. There’s nothing we can’t figure out if we have each other.”

“But I broke your heart. You can really move on from that?”

This is it. He’ll never get it if I don’t say it.