gravel around the fountain crunches under our feet and I admire the beautiful scene in front of me—the fountain spray with the skyline of Chicago in the backdrop. The scene seems contrary to the conversation we’re about to have. I’ve pushed it away as long as I could, but from the look on Dean’s face he’s not going to let it slide any longer. Still, I don’t know if I’m ready to discuss…everything.
“What?”
“I only have one regret.”
“You shouldn’t have any regrets.”
He stops me and sits me on a bench on the outside perimeter the fountain. “Will you let me talk?”
I face him, hearing the frustration in his tone.
“I only have one regret,” he says again, his gaze intense.
“The fight? I know. It sucks.”
“Jesus, Chelsea.” He sounds mad and I don’t really understand why.
“What?”
“Listen to me.” He takes my shoulders in his hands, squeezing lightly. “It’s not the fight. Not my finest moment, but that’s not it.”
I keep my mouth shut, purposely staring him in the eye to let him know I won’t interrupt him again.
“It’s you. Losing you is my regret.” His voice breaks on the last word and he takes my hands in his. “I’m trying to take this slow. I’m trying not to push you, but please tell me we’re moving forward?” The desperation in his voice sounds like he’s pleading with a higher power on his deathbed for just one more minute on this Earth.
“Dean,” I sigh, sliding my hands from under his and standing and stepping toward the fountain.
“Why can’t you answer me?” He comes up alongside me.
Thankfully, most people aren’t lingering around and the people who are aren’t paying us any attention.
I sigh. “You’re asking a lot of me.”
I admire the water shooting, the colors, again trying not to feel the pull to Dean.
“What else do I have to do to prove to you before you’ll give us an honest chance?” he asks.
“I’ve let you take me out twice, you’ve kissed me, and if I make good on the bet, you get to feel me up tonight.” I turn his way and a smile graces his lips.
Of course, it does. What guy doesn’t want to feel up a pair of titties?
“I’m not doing that unless you want me to. You do want me to though, right?” he chuckles, his arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me close. “I know you feel it.” He brushes a stray hair off my cheek and tucks it behind my ear. “When are you going to start being honest with yourself?”
Question of the century.
Can’t people want someone but never act on it if they know it’s bad for them?
“I can’t deny it, Dean. That’s not my hesitation.”
For some reason, rather than stepping away, I move closer, needing to feel him. Needing to let him shelter me and loving the safety of his arms.
“I’m afraid.” I rest my chin on his chest, staring up at him. “I won’t make it through another heartbreak from you.” A single tear slips from my eye. “You didn’t see me after.”
“And you didn’t see me.” He wipes the tear with his thumb before it falls down my cheek. “I might’ve been the cause of our divorce, but it was no easier on me. It took me a long time to get my shit together, but I did. I’m an impatient man. I waited a long time to come for you, but I’m here, and I’ll wait until you’re ready, Chelsea. Just tell me I’m on the right path. Tell me I’m winning this battle and I’ll continue to fight to win the war.”
I stare into his chocolate eyes, and without thinking nearly enough about my decision, I let my heart speak for me.
Stretching up on my tiptoes, I place my hands on his shoulders to steady myself and press my lips to his. Warmth spreads through my body and I fall back down to my heels. “You’re winning.”
His hand slowly moves to my neck and he pulls me into his chest, one arm tight around my waist, the other one cupping the back of my head.
“Here.” He lets me go and digs into his pocket, retrieving two pennies. He places one in my palm. “Make a wish.”
I take it from his hand, walking the distance to the edge of the fountain. Closing my eyes, I wish for something I’ve wished for before at a fountain located a thousand miles away on the Vegas Strip. This time I hope whoever grants fountain wishes hears me.
Dean