Page 114 of Sundown Somewhere

“Why didn’t you say…” I trail off, not even sure how to finish.

“You’re not the only one who has been up in their own head. So trust me when I tell you I get it. If you only knew the mental gymnastics I’ve done over the years. I probably should have come clean about that a long time ago.”

“We can call it even for me keeping the not in love with Jeff thing to myself.”

Hux nods, one corner of his mouth tugging upward. “You running away, I thought, was the confirmation of my own fears and doubts. This has been the longest day of my life, Dolly. Thinking that I did something to upset you and that I lost you. I didn’t know how I was going to live with myself.”

“That’s never ever what I want you to think.” I rest my forehead against his, letting out a long breath. “Who would have thought we shared that worry?”

“Now that we know, how about we promise each other we’ll try that talking thing going forward.”

“Promise. No secrets—even little ones.”

Hux chuckles. “Except maybe what I got you for Christmas.”

“Deal.”

“Thinking of, what did that lady say to you at Reel Madness that made you blush?”

“What lady?”

“The older lady, who asked about the cinnamon rolls.”

I smile, laughing to myself. I totally forgot about her. “She thought we were really cute together, and that based on the way you were looking at me, I should make my move.”

“That made you blush?”

“No.” I shake my head. “That was from the part she added about how getting to kiss your best friend every day is a lot of fun.”

“She’s not wrong.”

So I have learned…

Running my fingers along his collarbone, my stomach flips, a weird anticipation flowing through me. Hux is mine. All mine.

“Maybe now I’ll finally get to use that acronym I’d cooked up as a way to ask you out.” He winks, tickling my sides.

“What?” I giggle.

Reaching behind himself, Hux lifts a hip, pulling out his wallet. From it, he slips out a small, well-worn piece of paper, handing it to me. I unfold it, unable to hold back my laughter as I read it.

I want to FUCK

Find ways to make you smile

Understand and support you

Cuddle you up and hold you close

Kinda also really want to fuck you too

“Hux, this is…hilarious. What stopped you?”

“Long story about failed reverse psychology. Just be comforted in the newfound knowledge that Grandma Dolly was on our side.”

Duh…

“Every girl needs a little rip in her jeans…” I wink at him.