It seems like it’s been forever since she’s been here, and I’ve missed her. I’ve been waiting in anticipation to see her walk through those doors.

I’ve missed all the jokes she added to her drink orders, missed our closing times together, missed walking her out. Most of all, I’ve missed just spending time with her, hearing her laugh, seeing her smile.

I’m so damn pussy-whipped.

So damn Cassidy-whipped.

She’s been hanging out with Georgia, Lola, and Grace today. Even though there isn’t one of us guys with them, I have no doubt that with the four of them, they’d kick Quinton’s ass if he tried to pull anything.

She wanted her bruise to completely heal before returning. Our close friends know what happened, but she doesn’t want other employees or customers to see any signs of the bruise.

I’ve stayed at her house, in her bed, every night since the evening before she reported Quinton. We’ve ordered takeout, binge-watched TV shows, and talked.

You know what we’ve also done?

We’ve exchanged I love yous as if they were simple hellos since the night we tore out our hearts and gifted them to the other. That night, sitting on her bed, is really the first time the words fell from my mouth. The Callahan household wasn’t one to express themselves. We didn’t share hugs and I love yous. With the exception of my mother a few times, Cassidy is the only other person I’ve said those words to. Hell, she’s probably the only other person who will have my heart enough for me to do so. She owns every piece of me in so many ways.

All eyes are on her when she struts into the bar as if nothing has changed, and she didn’t spend days in her own personal Quinton hell.

That’s right.

My girl is strong as hell.

A fighter.

“Welcome back, Cassidy,” Cohen calls out. “We’re glad you’re here.”

Archer nods and echoes Cohen. “Welcome back.”

I grin, a smile I can’t contain creasing my face, and a pleasant hum warms my blood. She wastes no time in circling the bar, heading straight in my direction, and kissing me on the lips. There are no gasps of shock. It’s no surprise to our friends. Even though we haven’t come out and told people we were dating, from the way we’ve been around each other, from my sleepovers and protectiveness of her, they’d be stupid if they didn’t know.

“Back to reality,” I say against her lips before pressing mine against them again.

“Back to reality,” Cassidy says. “Only now, it’s better.”

I raise a brow. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, because now, people can know we’re in love with each other …” She stops and winks. “And that someday, you’re going to be my baby daddy.”