Page 19 of I Think We’re Alone Now

“I declined the spot. Like I told you on the swings, being a cop isn’t a lifelong dream, it just seemed like a decent idea. Turns out I’d rather spend my days in malls making sure the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met is safe.”

“What if she doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life in malls?” There was more sass in my voice than I intended, but I didn’t correct it.

“Then I’ll go wherever it is her dreams dictate. What matters is that I’m by her side, helping her make those dreams come true.”

“You need to have dreams too.”

“My hope is that this is the start to that. Linda and I spent a good portion of the morning talking about the kinds of things the label needs in regards to security and bodyguards. Crowd control, decoys, learning to read body language, that kind of stuff. It sounds like there might be the opportunity to help them grow that area, and that’s actually really exciting. It’s the first time in a long time that I feel like I have something I’m passionate about.”

I turned and walked toward the large window that overlooks the city, closing my eyes, taking in everything he just said. Travis gave up his spot at the police academy for me. My heart squeezed at the thought. I wanted to turn back around, throw my arms around him, and kiss him until neither of us could breathe, but I was still in such shock that I couldn’t move.

“Elle, I’m so sorry for the way I acted in the kitchen last week. I was stupid. I should have listened to you—really listened to you—and what you were trying to tell me. I’m so, so sorry for ever letting you think you didn’t matter.”

“You matter to me too, Travis. More than I can express,” I said, spinning to face him, fighting back the tears that had started to prick at the corner of my eyes. “I’ve been falling for you for a long time.”

“Then let me catch you properly this time,” he said. Reaching out, he placed his hands on my hips and pulled me into his hard body. The warmth radiating off of him sent sparks through me. I swallowed hard, feeling the first tear escape and start to dance down my cheek. Lifting a hand to my face, Travis lightly wiped it away. “No tears, baby.”

“They’re happy tears, promise,” I whispered.

His hands gripped me tighter, as he leaned down and captured my lips with his. The kiss was tender and loving, but still filled with so much passion I felt it all the way into my toes. I gripped his shoulders, thinking about never, ever letting go. I could kiss Travis all day long, and by the way his body was reacting, it seemed like the feeling was mutual.

“So, did I get the job?” he asked, breaking the kiss.

“Well, there was a guy who worked for the secret service who I kinda liked,” I teased. “But I didn’t kiss him, so I can’t quite be sure.”

Travis furrowed his brow for a second, before letting an impish grin pull at his mouth. Grabbing my hand, he started to lead me toward the door.

“Then there is only one way to settle this.”

“Yeah?”

“Skee-Ball. I win, I get the job. You win, you take pity on me and give me the job.”

“I like the sound of that.”