IOU

by Kristy Marie

Women should never lose sight of their hopes and dreams. They should be individuals that are amplified by their mates—

I thought it was a bit excessive, but it seemed to make Ainsley happy and therefore, would make my night a little less awful.

“Where?” He doesn’t look at me. “On the sidewalk. Her feet are propped up on the hood of your car, and I’m pretty sure she’s chugging wine from a box.” I’m going to kill her.

“Look closely. Do you see two shits or a fuck anywhere in my eyes?”

i love her

“Some people are meant to burn, and others are meant to rise from their ashes.”

I always do, and secretly, I enjoy it.

When my genie needs me, I’m going to be there for him like he was for me.

And that’s what I adore about her. She is who she is. Take her or leave her—she conforms to no one. Not even me.

This bossy thing she has going is . . . refreshing.

“Stop checking on me.” I groan, snagging the hand on my chest and tugging her entire body across me so she’s wedged into my side before I place her hand back on my heart. “Now, go to sleep,” I order. And we do. Together. Side by side, making a mess of our contract.

“You’re right,” he says, rolling his shoulders with a stupid grin on his face. “This feels incredible.”

“I see a strong and independent woman. One who forgives no matter what she’s been through. The woman in that TV reflection is brave, bold, and full of life.”

“You deserve to be happy,” he finally says after a moment.

God, I think I might be in fucking love with her.

“Haha. You think you’re so funny.” I cut her a disproving look. I know I’m funny.

he’s so annoying😭

“Why are you the sweetest asshole ever?”

Tucker had it wrong. She was never his. She’s always been mine; she just didn’t know it yet.

My mama always said you know you love a man when you don’t want to poison his food.

“I love you, okay? Is that what you want to goddamn hear? I’ve been in love with you since you called me out on the beer.”

“You owe me nothing and everything. I’m a man who played his odds. The over-under for a woman as incredible as you ever being with a man like me was ridiculous. I knew I didn’t deserve you and I never will. You see me. You got to know me when no one else did. You make me a better man. Marry me—” He doesn’t phrase it like a question. “And let me be indebted to you for a lifetime.” I can feel tears welling in my eyes.

“Every second you breathe . . . is mine. I want it all, Ainsley James. Every. Single. Part.”