Page 188 of Glitched Play

"I'm so sorry."

"No." I kiss the top of her head. “This is my error. I should have told Dara to stop the search. I failed you."

She pulls back just enough to look at me. "You've never failed me."

"I did." I brush away the tears clinging to her cheeks with both thumbs. I half-smile. "And baby... if I wanted you to leave, I would've sent you an email."

Her lashes flutter, sucking up tears. "What?"

"I would've sent you an email."

Despite everything... she half-laughs. "Because it would've been efficient?"

"Yes."

A tiny laugh escapes her.

"But..." I shake my head. "I never would've sent it."

"Because?"

"Because I want you here—with me,” I say, placing a gentle peck on her lips. They’re salty from the tears.

"Not because it's convenient or we work together flawlessly. It’s because every time I picture my future, you’re in it."

"I thought I'd proven that I want you by my side." I cradle her face. "I made you my partner."

"But if I failed to convince you..." My forehead rests against hers. "Then let me be clearer. I don't want a penthouse without you. I want to wake up with three mugs sitting by the sink because you can’t decide which one to use. I don’t want to come home to silence."

Her lips tremble.

"I want..." My voice softens. "...you."

Only you.

She starts crying again.

We both smile into a kiss, not to end the conversation, but to show her the meaning behind the words.

When we finally separate, she keeps one hand against my chest.

"You really want me here?"

"I've wanted you here since the first night."

She traces the buttons of my shirt. "So... no apartment?"

"No apartment."

"You'll have to tell Dara and apologize. She felt terrible."

"I will."

"I think she'd appreciate that." She looks around at the half-packed totes. “I made a mess.”

"We'll unpack."

She smiles. "You’ll help?"