She asks, “Is that what this is?” When I look down at her by my side, she’s already got her eyes on me. “Are we in a relationship, Harbor?”

I stop because what the fuck? Nothing I’ve done in years has made sense, except one. Lark. Taking both of her hands in mine, I search her eyes, praying to God that she’s as deep into us as I am. “I want it to be.”

There’s no humor or jokes, no lightness that usually comes from being around her. My heart thumps in my chest as I stare at her, silently pleading to end my misery. This woman can’t fix my past, but I’m hoping that my future plays out differently. If anyone has a shot of doing that, it’s her.

Reaching up, she cups my face. “You want to be in a relationship with me?” she asks wistfully.

“I do,” I reply, sounding a fucking lot like I’m ready to commit to more. “I want us to be together and date exclusively.”

A smile wiggles into place where it always should be on her face. “You want me to be your girlfriend?”

I hold her by the waist, the thin material not able to hide the shape of her body. I run my hands up and down her middle and then pull her even closer. “I’d really like that.”

“What’s the criteria?”

“Huh?” I should have known this wouldn’t be easy. This girl has a wildly independent streak. I don’t want to tame it, but I would like to be a part of her journey.

She takes my hand, and we start walking again. “Expectations.”

“Uh . . . huh. Well, we’ll spend some of our free time together . . .” I glance at her. “We can even study together. As the relationship progresses and our feelings evolve, we can review the agreement.”

She stops again, laughter shaking her body. Tapping my chest, she says, “I don’t want agreements. I want investments—my heart for yours.”

I tuck some of her hair behind her ear and grin down at this stunning woman. How did I get so lucky? Guess I’ve been given a second chance. “You’ve got yourself a deal.” I kiss her, good and hard, firm and with passion. “Sealed with a kiss.”

12

Lark

What am I doing?

It’s three in the morning, and I’m currently brushing my teeth next to the sexiest man alive. And yes, he was nominated, voted on, and presented the award by me.

Although he’s been staring at me in the reflection of the mirror as if he’s about to seduce me while brushing his teeth with a spare toothbrush, I have a feeling that he’s just built like that, put on this planet to make women weak in the knees and melt in his arms. I was close when we were downtown, but now in my apartment . . . I’m even closer.

Especially after becoming his girlfriend. I giggle internally. Okay, it sneaks out.