It took a ton of effort to lift my head against the force of gravity. Everything was still spinning, but I had to see her. As my eyes drifted upward, I expected fire but was met with water. Bo’s glassy eyes peered at me with hurt and shame and love.

”The worst part was that I trust you, Lauren, with everything and I knew nothing was happening, but all I could think about was how the press could have a field day with that. Isn’t that sad?” she huffed in disbelief, shaking her head at the way she responded to the scene.

”I never should have put us in that position, Bo I’m so sorry.” I truly was. I had to be more aware. I never, ever wanted to hurt us.

”It looked bad Lauren. Really bad, but I’m sorry I let that get to me. You were having fun and had I not been so late listening to his shit, it would have been me there with you. It should have been me. But it wasn’t and I won’t lie, I kinda wanted to beat her ass for touching you like that.”

A half smile crooked my lip at the twinkle in Bo’s eyes. She would definitely go to blows over me, but thankfully that didn’t happen. Talk about bad press…”I’m glad you didn’t. She was trashed and it used to be normal for us. She would never do that on purpose Bo, believe me. She loves that we’ve found one another.”

”I know. But Lauren, are you really ready for all the scrutiny that comes with being with me once I take the reins?”

”You know I am,” I said with confidence even though it felt like a flock of pterodactyls fluttering in my chest. ”How often do I get shit faced?” We smiled at one another. ”Bo, I love you more than anything. More than cars.”

She raised a brow.

”Okay, all but one car.” I smiled at the knowing grin on her face.

”That’s better.”

”What I mean is, I want you, for better or worse, paparazzi and gossip columns for as long as you will have me.”

”Careful Lauren, that sounds awfully close to marriage.”

”We’ll get to that someday.” I threw her a wink. I didn’t know if it came across right in my state, but she blushed anyway. ”But know that I am in this with you to Hell and back. Hopefully, not too much Hell.”