Page 27 of Riding with the Bad Boy
He took a deep breath. “When I was younger, I thought I’d marry my high school sweetheart and play hockey with Dermott. Then I messed up my leg, and my dream of playing professionally died. I didn’t think she’d walk away, but she did. According to her, I wasn’t good enough without hockey.”
“What a bitch.” The words fell out without any thought.
Rocco laughed. “There is a reason I don’t say her name, but that isn’t the point. I thought I must not be good at relationships if she wasn’t willing to stay without the sports. How could I be enough for anyone to love?”
“I probably should have told you that before, but again, I was scared you’d walk away the same as she did and I couldn’t take that chance.”
It was like he was speaking into my heart. I understood that emotion. Hell, I shared it.
“I was scared too. I’m still scared.” I admitted. “I want a relationship. I want a relationship with you, but what happens when you realize you don’t want me or that I lose you? I couldn’t take that.”
“You’ll never lose me, Giggles.” He brought his forehead to mine. “I’m not going anywhere. Not without you.”
I put my hands on the side of his face. “Do you mean that?”
“Absolutely.”
“Even if winery girls throw themselves at you?” I meant it as a joke, but I was still a little annoyed that she had acted as if we weren’t together.
“Even if they start stripping right in front of me.” He pressed his lips to mine. “Although if you’re interested in having one of them join us.” He let the sentence trail off.
“I don’t share.” It was best to get that out of the way now.
He let out a dark chuckle. “Neither do I.” His hold tightened.
“I love you, too.” I finally let the words out. “I love you and I’m so sorry I didn’t say it sooner.”
“That’s okay. You said it now, and that’s what's important.”
Rocco had me in his arms and lifted me in a circle. His lips pressed to mine, and his hold was completely perfect.
“I can’t wait to spend my life with you.” He lowered me back to my feet.
“Getting a little ahead of yourself there.” I laughed.
“We are at a wedding.”
“Technically, we are at a reception.” I pointed out.
“Yeah. A wedding reception.” He wiggled his eyebrows. I couldn’t argue, so I didn’t say anything at all. “Dance with me.”
“Okay.”
We walked onto the dance floor hand in hand. I might have tried to slow him down, but I couldn’t wait to spend my life with him, too. He was my person, and I’d finally found the one I’d been searching for. He was beside me all along.
