Page 100 of Midnight Ink

She slowly stands, taking a deep breath and glaring at me. “We are never to speak of this again.”

“Until I ask you how you’re doing.”

“Yeah, well, I’m going to tell you to fuck off.”

“And I’m going to ask anyway.”

She pats her eyes with her sleeve. “You need to stop hurting Jules. He’s the best thing that’s happened to us since Maddy died. If you fuck this up and he leaves, I’m done. I won’t watch you destroy the one good thing we have. He’s the best fucking man we know, and I know you love him.”

I can’t move or breathe. “You’re right,” I whisper.

“I know I’m right!” she yells, then rubs her eyes again.

“I think I thought that wanting anyone else meant betraying him.”

Anna let’s out a watery laugh. “Owning the shop with us was his dream, Ian. He wouldn’t want us doing this alone.” She softens. “Stop hurting Jules. He doesn’t deserve it.”

“I love him.” The admission cracks something open in me. “I love him. I love him so fucking much.”

“No shit.”

She tries to pull away, but I hold her in a tight hug until she relaxes in my arms. “I hate you.”

“And I love you.” I kiss the top of her head. “I’m really sorry, and you’re right. I need to check in with you more.” I squeeze her arms. “Even if it makes you want to puke.”

“Go make this right with Julian.”

“He said he’s done.”

“Then make a move, Ian.” she snaps. “For once in your life make a fucking move. Now!”

She blinks at me. “Now. Like now now?”

“Men!” she screams into her hand. “Go get him!”

I run through the rain, my lungs burning. Legs screaming. I’d laugh at how cliche this is if I wasn’t the dumbass who hurt the person I’m in love with. No more.

Grief poisoned me for seven years and I let it.

Maddox wouldn’t want me to be alone. He wouldn’t want this.

Julian is brilliant and beautiful, but somehow it’s taken me this long to realize how deep my feelings go. I fucking love him.

By the time I reach his building I’m soaked and shivering. I nod to the security guard at the front desk and take the stairs two at a time until I’m on the fourth floor. I brace my hands on my knees, breathing heavily. Then I find his door.

I knock.

Footsteps sound beyond the door and my heart slams into my chest when it opens. “Ian?” I really look at him this time and everything just falls into place.

Damn, I love this man so much.

“I’m bad at this,” I pant. “But I’m done running. Physically and emotionally.” I take a deep breath. “I love you, Jules. Not because I’m scared or lonely or trying to replace anything. I love you because you’re you.”

He watches me carefully.

“I choose you.” I lean against the doorframe trying to catch my breath. “Completely.” My chest burns. Running is the worst! “I can’t breathe.”

“Did you run here?”