If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

“Because you mean more to me than just a simple, confusing kiss.”

I don’t want to go on more dates. I want Michelle. Not as a friend. Not as a fling. I want her.

😩😩😩😩

“I want you to be happy and—” His next words almost come out in a whisper. “Have you ever thought I might be happy with you?” I tense, taking in a shaky breath. “You can’t mean that.” “I almost wish I didn’t.” “But you said—” “I say so many things that I don’t know what comes out of my mouth half the time,” he says. “But you do…you make me happy. So, there. I’m stuck in my own damn head with thoughts of you that I can’t get rid of. So, what do I do? Huh? What do I do?”

😩😩😩😩

“God, you’re so stubborn.” And then he presses his lips against mine. It hurts, like I deserve. It’s painful, like I need. And I’m melting into it faster than either of us can breathe. Our mouths move in heady, rushed kisses.

And it hits me. I love this woman. I don’t know when it happened. It slipped over me so softly, like the changing of seasons. The seeping scent of baked bread first thing in the morning. A wistful sigh on a perfect fall day.

😭😭😭😭

I’m so accustomed to his lips now, to the gentle way they trail over mine, to the way his hand threads through my hair. I thought Cliff liked touch before, but now it’s like he can’t get enough of me. Like he was a man starved and he can finally feast.

Michelle was here for my daughter when she needed her. And Emily did need her.

Words against Michelle? Not in my house. Not anywhere.

“I assumed I was on my own team,” I answer with a grin. Cliff slowly shakes his head. “I’m always on your team.”

“But she also said to make sure you’re happy. And you’re happy here.” I open my mouth to counter, but she cuts in. “You never smile like you do in this inn. Like when you’re talking with guests.” She breathes in slowly and lets it out. “Like how you smile with Cliff.”