by Erynn Mangum
“So, look, I’m sorry,” he says finally in one breath. “I shouldn’t have said what I said that morning in your apartment. I meant it, but I shouldn’t have said it.” His face twists and he looks like someone who has been told that he just ran over his best friend’s dog.
Pity is creeping up my spine and wrapping around my chest. I nod and take a deep breath. “It’s okay, Luke.” I make sure he looks me in the eyes before I say the rest. “It’s okay. I forgive you.” I swallow. “For all of it.” He knows that I don’t just mean these last few weeks.
I mean it, too. The next breath I take is healing, cleansing.
Fresh and clean.
He looks at me, brown eyes wide, and the next thing I know, he’s got me wrapped up in his arms, tucking me close to his chest, whispering in my ear, “Thank you, Paige. Thank you, thank you,” he says, voice full. He slides his arms just a smidge, moving me back far enough to see his face.
Then he kisses my cheek, one hand tucking my hair behind my ear, the other arm snugly around my waist. I just gape up at him, shaking my head, pulling out of his reach. “What are you ——?”
Right then I see him. A dark figure, turning back to his truck, a bouquet of flowers dangling from one hand as he climbs inside.
It’s Tyler.
About the Author
Erynn Mangum is married to her best friend, Jon. They have one adorable toddler here on earth and one precious baby in heaven. Erynn loves to spend time with her family and friends, particularly if there is coffee and chocolate involved. She’s the author of the LAUREN HOLBROOK, MAYA DAVIS, and PAIGE ALDER series. Learn more at www.erynnmangum.com.
