“It is,” I say, gripping his leg. “That’s what it means to have a partner, to share those vulnerable moments.”
“Yes, but that’s not how I want to start this relationship. It’s why Cooper gave me the name of his therapist, who is going to refer me to someone they trust so I can be healthy for you and put time into us—not have you put time into me.”
I nod, understanding what he’s saying, and even though I want to help him, I love that he’s creating this boundary, making space to work himself out.
“I like you a lot, Larkin, and I’m confident that we’ll grow and flourish, just like what my parents have. But I want to start it out right, which means you’re not going to be my assistant. You’re not going to get me coffee, and you’re not going to be my pseudotherapist. And you’re sure as hell not going to be the referee between me and my siblings. You’re my girl. You’re the one I want, and hopefully you still want me.”
I smile and reach up to his cheek. “I don’t think I could ever not want you, Ford.” Bringing him close, I place a small kiss on his lips and then pull away with a sigh. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“I’m sorry I went behind your back with Cooper.”
He shakes his head. “You were right to do it. I didn’t give him the chance he deserved. He actually showed me the logo, drew it out for me. I hired him on the spot. Him and Palmer.”
“Stop. Seriously?”
He nods. “I wasn’t bullshitting when I said we’re stronger as a team. It’s true. I need them, but I need you more.”
“You have me,” I say, letting him pull me into a hug. “You have me for as long as you want me.”
“That’s forever. I hope you’re ready.”
“I’ve never been more ready in my life.” I press my lips to his again and revel in his embrace.
Everything I want, right here. I couldn’t ask for more.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
NORA
“You have a way with words,” I say as Cooper walks up to me, an undeniable swagger in his step.
He looks so good: a heavy five-o’clock shadow graces his handsome face, and he’s wearing a button-up shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. He definitely makes my heart trip in my chest.
“Yeah?” He takes my hand in his. “Does this mean you’ll come sit down by the dock with me?”
“Are you going to show me your romantic prowess and whisper sweet nothings into my ear, promising a future with you in it?”
“Nah, was going to pay you for the cake, push you in the water, and then walk away.”
“Well, sign me up for that,” I joke as he laughs and tugs me toward the dock. When we reach the end, we take a seat and stare out at the setting sun. “You know, you three really outdid yourselves. Did you even sleep last night?”
“Nope.” He sips from his champagne flute. “We had a lot of shit to work out, and we’re all still raw, but we’ve promised to keep working on our relationships with each other.”
“That’s a vast difference from dinner the other night, which was a pleasure to be at, by the way, in case you didn’t know,” I deadpan.
“Yeah, and the way it ended was great too.”
“Yeah, about that.”
He looks away. “I sure know how to be an ass, don’t I?”
“You’ve really fine-tuned that quality. It’s impressive.”
“Hey, and here I thought I didn’t accomplish anything these past few years.”
Laughing, I bump him in the shoulder. “Your card was sweet, your short speech even sweeter. Did you mean it?”
“You know I fucking meant it.” He turns to look me in the eyes. “Listen, I know things have been up and down with me, but I’ve realized over the past few weeks that I like you . . . a lot. You’re a fucking smart-ass and sexy, but you get me like no one else has, and you make me happy.” He presses his hand to my cheek. “I like the man I am when I’m around you. Confident, content . . . courageous. You make me better in every way, and even though I’m an ass of a man, I’m also a smart man and I know when I’ve got a good thing in my life. You’re a good thing, Nora, and I’ll do pretty much anything to keep you around.”
Talk about kilig . . .
But I’ve never made it easy on him, so why would I start now? “Anything?”
“Anything.”