AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’d love you either way,” I murmur.
Athelia’s lips part in shock. The words slipped from my mouth without me fully thinking them through, but I mean them. I’ve known since the night with her on the overlook when she finally opened up to me.
“Say that again,” she whispers.
I brush my nose against hers. “I love you, Athelia Harper. No matter what.”
A small noise escapes her throat. I’m not sure if it’s one of fear or happiness, but when she tugs my head down and seals her lips to mine, I figure it out pretty fast.
Even though it’s cold outside, my body warms at her touch. When our lips part, I lean in for more, but she stops me.
“I love you, too,” she says breathlessly. Her eyes are sparkling, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look as beautiful as she does right now.
I grab her hips and tug her into me. Her arms come around my neck, and I capture her mouth in another kiss. This time, neither of us hold back. I’d be halfway through tearing her clothes off her body if it wasn’t so cold out here.
Someone clears their throat behind me, and Athelia tenses before ripping herself away from me.
“Dad! Um, hi.”
I turn, plastering on a friendly smile. The second I make eye contact with Athelia’s father, I hold my hand out. “Mr. Harper, nice to finally meet you. My name is Kellan Ambrose.”
“Call me Bill.” He shakes my hand, his grip much firmer than it needs to be. “You’re one of the boys who’s dating my daughter, huh?”
“Yes, sir. One of three.”
“Hmm.” It’s not an approving sound, but it’s not entirely disapproving, either. “Where are the others?”
“Well, Cal is taking a nap,” Athelia says. “Wes is in the shower.”
Bill nods, his gaze flicking between me and Athelia. “And what exactly are your intentions with my daughter, Kellan?”
“Dad!” Athelia squeaks. Her cheeks turn even redder than they already were.
Bill, however, doesn’t seem to notice his daughter’s embarrassment. He watches me with an even, appraising gaze. “She’s a treasure, you know. What makes you think you deserve her?”
“I never gave any indication that I do, sir,” I reply smoothly, sliding my hand into Athelia’s. “But I’ll work every day until I die to be able to.”
My answer seems to take him aback—like he actually thinks I didn’t have an answer ready to go.
What a fool.
“Let’s go inside,” Athelia blurts before Bill can ask any other prying questions. She grabs my hand and drags me toward the house, and Bill follows with a quiet chuckle.
I smile as she tightens her hold on my hand. If tonight is any indication of how the rest of break will go, then… well, we’re in for an interesting time.
Chapter Forty-Six
Athelia
Holy shit.Holy fucking shit.
As I lay in bed Wednesday night, a feeling of triumph washes over me. Kellan told me he loves me.Lovesme.
I felt a little guilty saying it back when I didn’t mean it, but that’s faded for the most part. My plan is working so much better than I ever could’ve hoped for.That’swhat matters.
What Kellan told me earlier is still at the front of my mind. Maybe changing isn’t as bad as I originally thought. Maybe, like he said, I’m growing.
He doesn’t view me as broken—none of the guys do—and I think it’s helping how I view myself. It took Kellan pointing out that I’m fighting so hard for what I want for me to realize he’s right.
