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“Of course, I mean it,” I reaffirm, stepping forward and closing the distance between us. “You're amazing at what you do, and I support you no matter what. I want you to go for it.”
I watch as she processes my words, the tension from before easing, and I can see the way her shoulders relax. “I don’t want to lose you over a job,” she trails off, the discomfort of our earlier conversation evident.
“Leni,” I say, my tone firm but gentle, “I love you more than anything in this world. You deserve to chase your dreams, even if that includes working with those hockey players or whoever else. I won’t ever hold you back.”
Her smile blossoms, lighting up her face and melting the remnants of my doubts. “You really mean that?”
“Absolutely,” I insist, reaching out to cup her cheek with one hand, running my thumb along her jawline. There’s a warmth spreading through me, an overwhelming sense of relief and affection. “I want you to take that job and kick ass with it. If some jock gives you trouble, he’s going to have to answer to me. But I know you can handle yourself.”
A giggle escapes her, bright and light, and I notice the way her eyes sparkle with warmth and love. “Don’t worry, I can do the ass-kicking myself if someone wants to be difficult.”
“I already know that,” I concede, keeping my tone playful but letting the sincerity slip through.
“I love you, too,” she finally says, locking her gaze with mine. The sincerity in her voice sends a rush of warmth through me that has nothing to do with lust and everything to do with that emotional tether holding us together.
“So, we’re good?” I ask, diving deeper into those eyes that have been driving me up the wall since the day I met her. As long as I have her, I can deal with anything the universe throws my way.
“We’re more than good,” she replies, her voice soft yet sure. “We’re perfect.”
That simple declaration sends a rush of warmth through me, deeper than anything I’ve felt before. I’m ready for this adventure with her, ready to dive into the chaos, to embrace everything that comes with loving Leni.
“Perfect it is, then.” I plant a firm kiss on her lips, savoring the sweetness and solidifying the moment in my heart, knowing that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we’re in this together, and I won’t let anything tear us apart.
