Good To Be Bad (Good Love #3) - Lili Valente Page 0,64

stay there and let you go. I’m sure a part of him wanted to ride to the rescue, despite your wishes.”

I mash that into the pie crust too, and it almost sticks, but…

“But what if he doesn’t think it’s okay to cry in public?” I whisper, a little afraid to say this next part, even in front of Gram and Harrison. They know my horrid dating history, of course, but I’ve never let on, even to them, how much it’s messed me up. How much it’s made me doubt I’m worthy of that safe, loved space Gram’s talking about. “What if he’s like the other men I’ve dated. What if the second I show weakness or a side of myself he doesn’t like, he’s out the door?”

“Then he’s not the right man,” Harrison says.

“And he’s not worthy of you.” Gram tucks Joan between her leg and the arm of the couch then turns to face me fully, taking my hands in her smaller ones. “And maybe West isn’t the man for you. But sooner or later, you’re going to meet someone who sees how wonderful you are, sweet girl, and who appreciates every part of you. Even the weak parts and the scared parts. He’ll realize loving those parts of you is not only his job, but his honor and privilege. Just like loving those parts of him will be yours.”

Harrison swipes at his cheek with the back of his hand. I look over to see his eyes shining. I free one of my hands so I can wrap an arm around him. “You okay?” I ask.

“Don’t mind me,” he says, the words thick. “Just kind of looking forward to that. Sounds pretty special.”

“It is,” Gram says, giving my hand another squeeze before she pulls away. “So is the bond between a woman and the cat who hates the entire world on her behalf. I’m going to take Joan into the kitchen for a treat before she has a meltdown and tries to assassinate the drapes. Be right back with pie and ice cream.”

“Actually, I won’t have time for pie.” I pull in a deep breath. “I’m going back. If I hurry, maybe I can get there before they announce the winners.”

“You’re sure?” Gram asks. “No pressure here, either way.”

I nod. “Yes, I want to be there for West, even if I am a bedraggled baby penguin.”

Harrison frowns. “Excuse me?”

“Long story,” I say, grabbing my bag from the floor beside the couch. “I’ll tell you later.” I start for the door then pause and turn back. “Or maybe I won’t. I don’t think you really want to know. But I will tell you this—” I point at one dear one and then the other. “I love you both. Thank you for giving it to me straight.”

“Haven’t given it to anyone straight since junior high,” Harrison deadpans.

I wiggle my finger his way again. “Which reminds me. West’s oldest brother plays for your team. So maybe, if all goes well…”

He hums beneath his breath. “I get laid by a hot Brit at your wedding?”

“I was thinking double wedding, but whatever sounds good to you,” I tease, some of the old spring in my step as I wave goodbye to Gram and hurry out the door.

But on my way back to the competition, in my third car of the night, I’m nervous again.

Nervous, but determined to do my best by the man I love.

If my best isn’t enough, that’s okay, too. Gram and Harrison are right. I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to give my full heart and be good to myself, even when I fall short.

And if I’m lucky, I’ll get to be good to West too, even when he falls short.

Surely, even unicorns have an off day now and then. I just hope I get to be there for him on those days.

And all the ones between.

30

West

Two hours and twelve minutes.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aware of every second that’s dragged by since Gigi left. Every moment I’ve spent tending a fussy dark chocolate soufflé on this rooftop while wishing I were wherever she is now.

But I had a job to do and, damn it, I did it.

I have no doubt this chocolate creation is orgasmic.

Now, it’s in the judge’s hands, and I hope it’s enough to take home the prize.

But not for me. For Gigi. For the woman I adore, who left her parting orders—Kick Hawley’s arse.

Mission accepted.

Now, as the sun dips toward the