Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1)(64)

“I’m sorry,” I apologize again, not sure what else to say.

What else can I say after eight years?

“Do not apologize to me again.” She shakes her head, squeezing my hand. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I’m working on that.” I give her a soft smile.

“What’s her name?” Her lips turn up in a knowing grin. “What? You think your old mother doesn’t recognize a woman’s touch when I see one?” She laughs at the confused look on my face.

“Kimber.” The mere mention of her name brings a smile to my lips.

“So when do I get to meet her?”

****

Driving across town to pick Kimber up from work, I feel almost weightless. The heavy burden I have carried with me for so long lifting dramatically by making peace with my past and with my mom.

Nothing happens overnight, and I know that I will have good days and bad, but for the first time since I was a teenager, I feel something other than my pain and grief. I feel hope.

Pulling my bike off to the side of the road, I kill the engine and climb off, depositing my helmet onto the seat. I spot Kimber before I even make it across the street. She’s almost completely visible through the floor to ceiling glass wall that separates the outdoor patio from the indoor restaurant.

I stop just outside and watch her for a long moment; her blonde hair tied up in a messy knot, a few loose pieces falling around her face. She has to be the most beautiful creature I have ever laid my eyes on.

She looks up from wiping off the table in front of her and catches my eyes, a huge smile stretching across her face. Holding up her index finger, she gestures to give her a minute before disappearing from view.

Within moments she reappears, pushing up on her tip toes to lay a kiss on my mouth the instant she reaches me.

“I missed you,” she speaks against my lips. “How’d it go?” She backs away, tangling her fingers with mine.

“Really well,” I admit, pulling her back to me. “Thank you.” I drop another brief kiss to her mouth before pulling back to meet her gaze.

“For what?” She smiles sweetly up at me, the action f*cking melting me on the spot.

Fuck me. I’m a goner.

“For believing that I’m worth forgiving.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my hand lingering against her cheek. “I love you.”

“And I love you.” She turns her face inward, kissing the palm of my hand.

“It’s a good thing too because you’re not getting rid of me.” I lean forward and kiss her forehead.

“Oh man.” She sighs out playfully. “I guess I’ll just have to find a way to deal with it.” She laughs when I abruptly squeeze her side.

“And I hope you’re free next Saturday because we’re meeting my mother for lunch,” I add on, watching her eyes widen. “She’s dying to meet you.”

“You told her about me?” She almost seems surprised by this.

“I did,” I confirm. “So Saturday?”

“I’ll be there.” She pushes up and presses her lips to mine again. “But first, you have to go somewhere with me.” She pulls back and hits me with excited eyes.

“Now?”

“Right now.” She laughs, grabbing my hand as she drags me towards my motorcycle.

****

Kimber

“Where are we?” Decklan asks as he climbs off his motorcycle and looks up at the large brick building in front of him.

“You’ll see.” I reach out to tangle my fingers with his. “Come on,” I say, leading him towards the front entrance.

“What is this place?” he asks, pulling open the door before following me inside.

“It’s the art lab,” I explain, leading him down the main corridor to the last door at the end of the hall. “It’s where I’ve been practically living this past couple of weeks.” I give him a sweet smile before pushing my way inside the lab room I’ve been working in.

He follows silently behind me through the large bright room, various pieces of half-finished art lining multiple easels and large sections of the walls. With final projects due next week, it’s a wonder there’s no one here tonight. Most nights that I’ve been here there have been several other students here as well.

I lead Decklan to the far corner of the room, most of my supplies still spread out on my workstation from last night.

“I finally finished my project.” I turn towards him, coming to a stop next the easel that is turned inward facing the wall.

“The self-portrait?” he asks, having heard me speak of it a few times before.

I nod. After everything that’s happened over the past few weeks, I thought maybe showing him this would reassure just how much he means to me.

“I want you to see it.” I give him a small smile before turning the easel to face him.

I don’t look at the painting; I already know what’s there. Instead, I study his reaction, the way his eyes scan the canvas, a slow smiling pulling at the corners of his mouth.

“Wow.” The word is barely a whisper as his gaze meets mine.

“It’s us,” I say, for the first time turning to face the painting.

The scattered colors and lines came together more perfectly than I envisioned, but I guess that’s what happens when you paint with your heart instead of your head. My smile widens as I stare back at my creation; two faces blended as one. One side is my face, the other Decklan’s, the background swirled with the most brilliant reds.