Jamie McGuire

I kissed him, touching the sides of his face with tenderness. « Yes, dummy. I promised, didn't I ? I told you everything you wanted to hear, we're back together, and you're still not happy ? »
His face compressed around his smile.
« Travis, stop. I love you. » I said, smoothing the worried lines around his eyes. « This absurd standoff could have been over at Thanksgiving, but... »
« Wait... what ? » he interrupted, leaning back.
« I was fully prepared to give in on Thanksgiving, but you said you were done trying to make me happy, and I was too proud to tell you that I wanted you back. »
« Are you fucking kidding me ? I was just trying to make it easier on you ! Do you know how miserable I've been ? »
I frowned. « You looked just fine after break. »
« That was for you ! I was afraid I'd lose you if I didn't pretend to be okay with just being friends. I could have been with you this whole time ? What the fuck, Pigeon ? »
« I... » I couldn't argue ; he was right. I had made us both suffer, and I had no excuse. « I'm sorry. »
« You're sorry ? I damn near drank myself to death, I could barely get ouf of bed, I shattered my phone into a million of pieces on New Year's Eve to keep from calling you... and you're sorry ? »
I bit my lip and nodded, ashamed. I had no idea what he'd been through, and hearing him say the words made a sharp pain twist inside my chest. « I'm so... so sorry. »
« You're forgiven, » he said with a grin. « Don't ever do it again. »
« I won't. I promise. »
He flashed his dimple and shook his head. « I fucking love you. »