Inevitable

by Kristen Granata

“You dated him because you knew it was a waste of time,” he says, like it’s obvious. “Because it was safe. Because you keep people at arm’s length where they can’t hurt you.”

The movie can’t take you by surprise when you already know how it’s going to end.”

“You’ve got fire in your veins and passion in your heart. Those vapid, trust-fund kids will never be able to hold a candle to you. You’re different.”

You have to listen in the silence too. That’s when people speak the most.”

“I’m ashamed to want the things I shouldn’t.” “Like what?” “Another life. A fresh start. Doing something selfish for once.” My gaze falls to her lips, and it takes all my power not to claim them. “Wanting you.” Fuck, I shouldn’t have said that. “Why shouldn’t you want me?” Her voice is barely a whisper. “Because I can’t give you what you deserve.” “What if I said that whatever you have to offer would be enough?” She bites her bottom lip, regret churning in her eyes as soon as the honest words leave her mouth. My brave girl.

“Why don’t you go take that bath you’ve been dying for? I’ll make dinner.” Her eyebrows hit her hairline. “You know how to cook?” “I know how to do lots of things, Eva.” She cranes her neck as she lifts onto her toes and plants a kiss on my cheek.

“Graham, I’m falling in love with you.” The words whoosh out of me, and though I’m scared of his reaction, I don’t regret saying it. He blinks a few times, and I hold my next breath waiting for his response. Then he gently tugs one of my legs over his lap until I’m straddled on top of him. He brings both hands up to cup my face and draws me closer. “I’ve already fallen, Eva. I went right over the edge the moment I laid eyes on you. I’m in love with you, and no one in this world can stop us from being together.”

“You blow me away, Eva. No one compares to you. You’ve changed me, you make me want to be better. But that doesn’t mean shit if you’re not with me. The truth is: I don’t want to live my life without you in it. Please, Eva. Give me another chance. I’ll do it right this time. I wasn’t ready for you when we met, and everything was so wrong, but I promise you, I’ll give you everything I have in me if you say you’ll be mine.”

“I love you, Eva. I’m yours, if you want me.” His voice breaks, and he grips my face in those massive hands. “Please, put me out of this misery and tell me you still love me too. Tell me we can start over.”

“I still love you, Big Guy. I never stopped. I had to stitch every piece of my own damn heart back together, and it’s jagged and bruised, but it belongs to you. Only you.”