Playing Hard to Get(103)

I yank her into my arms and kiss them away one by one, my heart aching at the sound of her sobs. “I love you too, Jo Jo.”

Her eyes crack open. “You do?” she practically wails.

I almost want to laugh. This woman…

“So fucking much. I think I’ve been in love with you for a long time, I just didn’t want to admit it, because I’ve never been in love before. I didn’t know what I was feeling.”

“We’ve only known each other a couple of months,” she points out with a little hiccup.

“My dad told me at dinner, when you know, you know.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “And with you, baby, I know. I’m in love with you, Joanna Sutton. And I’m so fucking glad you feel the same way because, if you didn’t, I would’ve done everything in my power to convince you that you should love me. I would’ve worn you down until you would’ve been like, fine. Jesus, I love you.”

She’s laughing. Crying. Shaking her head, looking at me as if I’ve lost my damn mind, which I have, thank you very much. All over her. “You would’ve done that for me?”

“And more. Because that’s how much I love you. You’re the first thing I think of when I wake up, and the last thing I remember before I fall asleep. Something will happen during my day and I’ll think, ‘I need to tell Jo Jo about this.’ Everything in my life begins and ends with you.” I cup her cheeks with both hands, tipping her face up, so I can kiss her. “I love you.”

She closes her eyes, nuzzling her cheek against my palm. “I love you, too.”

Will I ever get used to her saying that? Probably. Do I ever want her to stop?

Never.

“Thank God I don’t have to convince you.” She laughs, and the sound makes me feel as if my heart is going to float out of my chest. “Now let’s go inside before my balls freeze off.”

Thank God I left the dinner early and came over here when I did.

Cam and I went back to the hotel for dinner with my family and the energy was so off in the restaurant, it was…odd.

I felt like I was trapped in a bad dream.

Blair was hostile. Cam was quiet, and that guy is usually bouncing off the walls after a big win like the one we just had. He spent most of the meal talking to my dad while I tried to engage a sullen Blair in conversation. Mom had a weird look on her face as she observed us all and eventually…

I got sick of it. I tried to text Joanna, but she didn’t answer, which freaked me out. Mom saw it all over my face, and halfway through dinner, she stretched her hand across the table, settling it over mine.

“You can leave if you want. You should go to her,” she murmured.

“But you guys are leaving in the morning—”

“Go. Your heart isn’t in it.” Mom’s smile was understanding and that’s when I realized why my heart wasn’t in it.

It’s right here with this woman. She owns my heart, and I’m giving it to her freely.

Just like she gave me hers.

Still can’t believe that fucker Bryan was trying to work his weaselly ways on her, but my Jo is smarter than that chump. She was on to his bullshit. I only had to provide backup.

Guess I can’t blame him though. Joanna is pretty fucking special.

His loss is my gain.

The moment we’re in her apartment, I shiver at the blast of heat that hits us. Natalie is curled up on the couch, her gaze bouncing from Jo to me and back to Jo.

“Those are happy tears, right?” The hint of worry in Natalie’s voice is obvious.

I sling my arm around Joanna’s shoulders and pull her in close, kissing her forehead. “Definitely,” I answer for my girl.

“Aw.” Natalie rests her hand against her chest. “You two are adorable.”

“Thanks for watching out for Jo,” I tell Natalie.

Her smile is faint. “She’s my best friend. Of course I’m going to watch out for her.” A fierce gleam fills her gaze. “Tell me you chased after Bryan and beat his ass.”

I chuckle. “Nope. Joanna let him walk. I bet that hurt more than an ass beating from me.”

That fucker is lucky I didn’t beat his ass. He deserved it for what he’s done to her. Joanna needed to stand up for herself and tell that asshole to leave her alone, and I think—hope—he finally got the message.

If not and he comes back around, then I’ll give him the ass kicking he needs.

“You were so strong, saying what you said to Bryan,” Natalie tells Joanna. “I’m so proud of you.”

Joanna’s trembling, overcome with emotion, I’m sure. “Thank you.” Her voice is thick with tears.

My girl is brave. I’m so proud of her.

“You need to go to bed.” I kiss Joanna’s cheek, my lips lingering for a beat too long. “I know you’re tired.”

“Please.” Natalie rolls her eyes, reaching toward the side table by the couch and holding up her AirPods case. “Looks like I’ll need these tonight.”

I chuckle, Joanna leaning into me, and we wish Natalie good night before I lead my girlfriend—the woman I’m in love with—back to her bedroom.

It feels so good to think like this. To admit my feelings and just live in them. I love her. She loves me.