“For the first time in a long time, I am. I know what I want. It’s like a fog’s been lifted. I’m not angry about the past, or drowning in self-doubt. I’m learning to trust myself again and that’s because of Cal.”
“I didn’t do anything,” my boyfriend declares, much to my consternation. “She’s giving me credit for her own work.”
“Callum,” I scold, glaring at him for being unhelpful.
He pins me with an unrepentant look. “It’s true. This growth is because you pushed through your own fears. I can’t take any credit for it.”
Hands on my hips, I tip my chin up and get in his face. “I’m not looking for permission to credit you. If I say you helped me, then that’s that.”
“Are you both done yet?”
Rohan’s irritated question has heat flaring up my skin. I’d forgotten momentarily we weren’t alone.
His gaze shifts between Callum and I, the tightness of his expression easing a little. He doesn’t look pleased, but his eyes have lost the sheen of dismay that wrecked me. I take his hand in mine and the twisted knot in my chest loosens when he doesn’t pull away.
“If it makes any of this better, we were planning on coming clean tonight. But I’m sorry we went behind your back.I’m sorry you had to find out like this.”
His lips tighten, but a moment later, he gives me a terse nod. “I’m sorry I made you feel like you had to hide from me.”
“I’ll take that exact apology, too,” Cal mutters, holding a pack of ice to his cheek that Theo procured for him. “Why the fuck did you have to hit so hard?”
“You said make it quick, not painless.” Rohan’s dry reply eases my nerves and I burst into nervous laughter. Cal spears me with a look of betrayal and I giggle helplessly, relief pulsing through me in steady waves.
“I get punched for you and you laugh? At least kiss it better, Tots.”
“Absolutely the fuck not!” Rohan declares. “You keep your hands and lips away from her in front of me.”
Cal arches an insolent brow, his answer clear to all.
“Let me hit him again,” Rohan begs, turning green at the idea of having to see me kiss Cal.
“No, once was enough.” I pat him soothingly and his stiff posture loosens. Cal’s warmth covers my back as he comes to stand behind me, his hands resting at my waist. Rohan’s eyes drift from me to his friend, truly taking us in together.
Inexplicably, his scowl softens.
“You love this dumbass, too?”
There is nothing in my tone, or in the way I lean into Cal, that leaves any doubt about my feelings. Still, I say the words.
“I love him, too.”
Rohan runs a palm down his face, a heavy sigh escaping him. He scratches his short beard, glancing around everywhere but at us before finally giving up.
“I hope you’re happy together,” he mutters, still sulking but I don’t care—I throw my arms around the mountainous human that he is. Within moments, I am enveloped in the warmth of his hug as he brushes a kiss on my head.
“Love you, Aloo,” he says gruffly, clearing his throat like he has an itch he can’t get rid of. “I’ll kick his ass anytime you need. Doesn’t even have to be a real reason.”
I am torn between getting emotional and laughing when Rohan releases me, pointing to where Cal is still holding me.
“Let me hug my cousin without you hanging on, you fucking doorknob.”
Cal shakes his head. “Not gonna happen, we’re a package deal. You hug her, you hug me.”
“Fuckin’ weirdo,” Rohan grumbles, spinning aroundand stomping off into the bar without taking Cal up on his offer of a hug. The rest of our friends follow him, Theo winking at us before all is quiet once again.
I hope Rohan will find it in himself to forgive us for hiding our relationship for as many months as we did. It might take time, but his acceptance tonight is a step in the right direction.
I sigh when thick arms encircle me, securing me against a solid chest.