Bitter Truth (Hawthorne Vines #1)

We’re making a day out of it. First the meeting, then lunch to chat. Afterward, we’re going to stop by the apartment he and Mira just moved into, and I’ll get a chance to meet her as well. Stupid meeting aside, I’m kind of looking forward to it.

When I step out of the bathroom, I find Murphy has—sadly—put on a shirt and moved to the kitchen. She’s humming that same melody as she pours herself a cup of coffee, and her ass sways along.

Her eyes find mine, and I know I don’t imagine it when they brighten at the sight of me. As if I didn’t just see her a few minutes ago. As if I don’t get to see her all the time.

Just like that, the stress about this meeting begins to abate. Not entirely, but enough that it’s not clouding my entire mind anymore.

The clouds have a hard time sticking around when the sun is out and shining.

That’s what Murphy is to me.

The sun.

Brightness.

A light in the darkness that the world can sometimes be.

And I love her for it.

For so many other things, too. But definitely for the way my soul feels lighter when she’s around.

I take the cup of coffee out of her hands and set it on the counter before tugging her close.

“I’m crazy about you. You know that, right?” I say, wrapping my arms around her, my heart buoying at the feel of her body pressed against mine.

I know it’s too soon, right now. We still have so many things to learn about each other. But someday, Murphy’s going to wear my ring on her finger. It’s a truth I know in the depths of my soul.

“Of course I do.” Her response is muffled where she’s tucked her face against my chest, and her arms tighten around me. “I love you more than anything.”

I lift her face so I can see her beautiful eyes and revel in that love. Then I drop my mouth down to hers, like I have so many times before.

Like I plan to do for the rest of my life.