Fortunate Misfortune (Clear Lake Quartet #1)

by Miah Onsha

I outstretch an arm, and she curls into my side. Her feet are like ice as she pushes her legs between mine. She wraps a hand around the back of my neck, brushing my hair in slow strokes. “Comfortable?” I ask. “Very.” Her eyelashes flutter against my jawline. “I’m starting to think you like saving me. You just keep showing up when I need you.” I look down at the woman in my arms, swallowed by my hoodie and more vulnerable than I’ve ever seen her. I have no clue how to tell her that even though I preach nothing is perfect, that she is perfect to me. I have no clue how to make her believe just because her shithead of an ex made her feel like a burden, it doesn’t mean I’ll ever feel that way. I have no clue how to tell her she’s the strongest, best person I know. I’ll show her with my actions. “You’ve never needed saving, Eddie.” I press my lips against her forehead. “But I do like you.” She swats my chest. “Wow. You almost sounded serious for a second.” I shake my head, fixing my eyes on the ceiling fan. “There’s nothing in this world I’m more serious about than you.” Even if she doesn’t reciprocate my feelings, I’m proud of myself for finally admitting it out loud. I close my eyes, ready for sleep to take me. Then she speaks, and my whole world flips. “You know what, Gray? It’s a good thing I like you too.”