Rachel Gibson: Crazy On You

“I’m not going anywhere.” He put a finger beneath her chin and raised her gaze to his. “I know who you are, Lily. I know all about you. I know you were one tick away from being 5150’d for driving your car into your ex’s house. I know that you were knocked flat by him, but you pulled yourself up and made a success of yourself. You should be proud of yourself for that.

“I know that you love your son and the first time I saw you with Pippen, I saw how much you love him. You said you’d kill for him, and I knew that I wanted to love and be loved like that.”

She blinked. “You know people call me crazy? Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because it’s not true. You’re passionate and you love with your heart and soul, and I want that.”

“What if it is true? I worked really hard not to be crazy, but I admit I’m feeling a little crazy right now. I got a speeding ticket tonight because I thought you were hiding behind the Welcome to Lovett sign.”

“Whoa.” He whipped he head back and forth. “What-”

“You’ve been ignoring me and I wanted to get your attention. So I raced up and down the highway.” She pulled the ticket out of her pocket. “But it was Neal.”

He tipped his head back and laughed. Long and loud, and then he gathered her against his chest. “You acted that crazy to get my attention?”

“Not that crazy. Just a little crazy.”

“That’s funny.”

“Not really. Now Neal thinks I’m crazy again and he’ll probably tell the guys you work with.”

“I’m a big boy. I can handle anything as long as I have you.”

“You do, Tucker, but it’s not just me.”

“I know, and I know I’m not Pippen’s daddy. I can never be his daddy. Hell, I don’t know how to be a dad, but I know that I’ll never treat him mean or ignore him or leave him out. I’ll never let him think he doesn’t matter or disappoint him.” If it was possible, her heart swelled more and she squeezed her arms around him. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I’d do anything for you, Lily, but I can’t change my age.”

“I know.” She rose onto her toes and kissed the side of his neck. “I don’t care.”

He shivered. “You cared a lot a few days ago.”

“A few days ago I was scared. I was afraid of what people would say. I was afraid of a lot of things, but you weren’t. You were bold and unafraid.”

“Are you kidding me? I’ve been scared shitless this whole time that you would never love me back.”

He’d never acted scared-shitless or any other kind. “Two days ago you told me I had to get in or out.” She lightly bit his ear. “I want in, Tucker. All of you. All the way.” She dropped back on her heels and looked up into his face that was no longer free of expression. His smile was as big as hers.

“I want you all the way, Lily Darlington.”

“People will say you’re crazy.”

“I don’t care what people say.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Just as long as I get to go crazy on you.”

RACHEL GIBSON lives in Idaho with her husband, three kids, two cats, and a dog of mysterious origin. She began her fiction career at age 16, when she ran her car into the side of a hill, retrieved the bumper, and drove to a parking lot, where she strategically scattered the car’s broken glass all about. She told her parents she’d been the victim of a hit-and-run and they believed her. She’s been making up stories ever since, although she gets paid better for them nowadays.