The Rivals - Dylan Allen Page 0,264

I want to stop the lies we’ve been telling about my family. I can’t tell Gigi and Lucas’ story. But I want to tell my own. I want you to write it. I’ll even sit and let you interview me if that would be better.”

I eye him skeptically. “Are you sure, Remi?”

“Yes. Very. I know there’s intense interest about my family, and the Riverses right now. It’s time to pull back the curtain. My dad’s reappearance won’t stay a secret. He and Gigi have already established a connection. The truth is going to come out, and I’d like it to come from me. Whoever gets the story, gets an exclusive and will make a name for themselves, right?”

“Yeah. It was certainly enough that it would have gotten me that job.”

“Well, then I want you to write it. If I’m going to make someone’s career, I want it to be yours.”

I sit up and contemplate what he’s saying and what it will mean.

“Remi… Lister gave me the bookstore. I want to move back here with Bianca and run it. If I write this story, there won’t be any turning back. I’ll get job offers. Dream ones. That will require me to travel and I’ll have to work a lot.”

“Will you be happy? Isn’t that what you want? That career?” His voice is so calm compared to mine.

“Yes…”

His eyes narrow, focusing like he’s just seen something he missed.

“What’s the but, Kal?”

“But, I don’t want you to have to let me write that story to make my career. I can figure things out. I don’t want to be the damsel in distress anymore. I feel like I’ve been one my whole life.”

He cups my chin and turns my face toward him.

“A damsel in distress is the last thing you’ve ever been. You’ve come to my rescue more times than I deserve.”

“I have not.” I dismiss his statement.

“When I was fourteen, you helped me find the courage to demand more from myself. When I was eighteen, you helped me find my purpose. Two weeks ago, you found me when I was lost. That’s what we do for people we love, Kal. We help them when they need it.”

“I’m scared,” I admit and his eyes soften.

“Of what? Surely, not of us?”

“A little… The first time, your mother got in our way. The second time, well, that was all timing. I’m afraid that the third time—”

“The third time will be a charm. And if it’s not, we’ll try again.” He finishes for me.

My heart is racing, a tear splashes on my hand before I realize that I’m crying.

“You mean it, don’t you? We’re really doing this.” I didn’t realize until then that I’d been worried that we’d find a way to screw up this chance, too.

“I’ve always been doing this. I was just waiting for you to catch up.” His smile is contagious, and my whole spirit responds.

“You’re the love of my life,” I tell him.

“You are the love of mine. That deserves at least a million chances, don’t you think?”

I nod vigorously.

“I’m here. I’m ready. I’m yours.”

A smile breaks on his face, broad and proud, like he just reached the summit of a mountain he’s been scaling. I feel it all the way in the center of my heart.

“Then, let’s start right now.” He pulls me into his arms for a hug and I let myself lean on him. I nestle against the soft cotton of his shirt and just savor the feeling of being safe and loved.

“I have to go back to New York.” I break the silence.

“I know you do.”

“I have to sell my place. Bianca needs to finish out the school year…” I look up at his face to see if he looks as worried as I feel about a potentially prolonged separation.

His expression is completely relaxed. His eyes, with their thick fringe of lashes are smiling into mine. “Don’t worry, Kal. We’ve got this.”

“I know. I just don’t know when I’ll be able to get back to Houston.”

He shakes his head. “I have some business to take care of here. I might need a week or so. But until you’re able to move, I’ll be wherever you are.”

Surprise rises in happy effervescent bubbles in my chest. “Really?”

“Yes. I can work from anywhere. I don’t have any court appearances on my schedule and if I do, I’ve got a plane that can take me to Houston and back in a day. I’m not prepared to spend that kind of time apart again.”

“But…