“What about them?”
“Accurate?” he teases.
I tilt my head up to look at him, his hair is wrecked, his lips are swollen, and he looks obscenely pleased with himself.
“A-plus-plus,” I say. “Now where’s my pizza?” I joke.
He grins so wide it takes up his entire face. “I can order pizza.”
“Okay, maybe later, I can’t move.” I moan as I press kisses to his bare skin.
“Guess the drought has broken,” he teases, placing a kiss on my temple.
“Well and truly.” I grin as I snuggle into him.
“How’s the head?”
“What head? I don’t have a head anymore. You fucked it clean off.”
He laughs so hard his whole body shakes, and I’m bouncing on his chest, and I’m laughing too. It’s ridiculous and messy and perfect.
“Best review I’ve ever received.” He pulls me tighter against him. His hand traces lazy patterns on my back, the room has grown dark, the city glowing through the window, and everything is quiet except our breathing and the distant hum of Manhattan below.
“Justin?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t go home tonight.”
“I told you, I’m not going anywhere.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, careful of the bandage. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“Good.” I close my eyes. His heartbeat is steady under my ear. His arm is heavy and warm around me. I feel safe. I feel found. I feel like I’ve finally stopped running.Fuck him out of your system, my sister said.I don’t think that worked.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand. I reach for it with my good hand.
Jo: Just checking in. Are you okay?
Collette: I’m fine. Better than fine.
Jo: Is he still there?
Collette: Yes.
Jo: Did you take my advice?
Collette: I took your advice.
Jo: And?????
Collette: I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
Jo: Collette!!!
Jo: Fine. Talk to you tomorrow.
I laugh and put my phone down.
“Who was that?”