“Of course I was,” Harris said. “I care about you. Hell, you should know that much by now.”
Woodley studied Harris in confusion. “Should I?”
“Look, Liam,” Harris said as he glanced away.
“Liam? You never use my first name,” he said. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’ve finally come to my senses.”
“Okay, I’m sore and still healing, so either get to the point or stop confusing the shit out of me.”
“I was confused for a very long time. I believed that my past made it impossible to have a future, but you changed that.”
“I did?”
“Yes. It’s all your fault.”
“Are you sure I didn’t smash my head on something? I think I could have a concussion.” He might be hallucinating.
Harris grinned even wider, sexy bastard, and cupped Woodley’s jaw. Harris’s calloused hand felt amazing against his skin and almost distracted him from their strange conversation.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m finally seeing clearly now. Even if you might not agree with me, I’m willing to wait until you figure it out in time.”
“How kind of you. Figure what out exactly?” Woodley asked. Yep, he was definitely hallucinating.
“That we’re perfect for each other and no one but you will do for me. Let’s face it, there’s not a single person who’d have a hope in hell of understanding us and our hang-ups.”
“Sorry, but that’s no reason to be together, just because no one else will want us.” Was it? And if it was, how sad is that?
“It’s not only that. Cut me a break. It’s not like I have any experience with this shit. I’m doing my best here,” Harris said as he ran his fingers through his short, dark hair. “This is also strange for me; it’s not like I know what the hell I’m doing.”
“Wait, is this some kind of epiphany because I was shot?” Things were becoming clearer.
“I don’t think epiphany is the right word. More of a punch to the gut.”
“Nice analogy.”
“You don’t get flowery words with me.”
“No truer words have been spoken.”
“Fine, let’s cut to the chase. I want you in my life permanently.”
“Holy shit. Am I dead?” Woodley asked as he checked his pulse.
Harris rolled his eyes and let out a loud, drawn-out moan. He’d never seen the guy frustrated before. He liked this new side of the man. Made him more real somehow.
“Don’t push it. Is it always going to be this hard talking about real shit with you?”
“Likely,” Woodley said with a grin. “But I’m worth it.”
Harris’s eyes got impossibly darker as he ran his thumb over Woodley’s bottom lip. “Yes, you are.”
He moved to wrap his arm around Harris, but the motion had him hissing in pain.
“Easy, there’s plenty of time.”
“Why? Are you not planning on sacrificing yourself to the Noah Group?”
