Page 179 of Only Ever You

“I know.” He huffs. “Are you happy?”

“The happiest,” I tell him truthfully, relishing the warmth of the sun shining down on me.

“Okay, then I’m happy too.”

I drag my attention to the sky, and my body finally relaxes.

“But don’t think for a second I don’t have questions for Michael,” my dad says. “I need to make sure he treats you right.”

“Of course. He’ll be more than ready to talk to you tomorrow.”

Strong arms wrap around me from behind, and the familiar scent of mint and citrus slides under my skin as Michael settles onto the sunbed with me. I melt back into him, my eyes falling closed.

“Good.” My dad clears his throat. “Have you found an apartment, by the way? Your mom said you didn’t like any of the ones you saw.”

“I didn’t,” I say easily. “So I moved in with Michael.”

“You did what?” His voice jumps an octave, and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. “Isla, I’m not okay with that.”

“It’s already done, Dad,” I tell him gently. “And he’ll talk to you tomorrow, I promise.”

“If this is a joke, it’s not funny,” he grumbles.

“Love you, Dad.”

I end the call and peer back at Michael. The grin on his face is unapologetic, all confidence and zero regret.

Heat curls in my stomach, familiar and dangerous. I swear, the effect he has on me grows stronger with every day I get to spend with him, with every touch and kiss.

“Your dad’s gonna kill me, isn’t he?” he asks.

“Nah,” I say. “He knows I love you, and he wouldn’t want to make me sad. You’re safe.”

He snorts, tightening his hold on me. “For you? I’ll endure any interrogation your dad throws at me.”

“I’m sure you will.” I shift, my focus zeroed in on his lips. “Can you kiss me?”

“You don’t need to ask me that,” he murmurs, and then he covers my lips with his.

“So you’re living together?” Aunt Ava asks, her attention bouncing back and forth between Michael and me.

It surprised me when neither of Michael’s parents asked many questions after we arrived yesterday. We stuck to talking about our plans for this visit and not much else. Michael thought they were just letting us be, letting us figure everything out for ourselves. I was skeptical, and rightfully so, because now, it’s clear they did all that so we’d let our guards down.

When Mom and Dad showed up at the Thompsons’ house an hour early, it hit me. Our parents wanted to do the interrogation part together.

“Yeah, we are.” Michael drapes his arm over the back of my chair and draws patterns on my skin with his fingertips. “My place is big enough for both of us, and it’s in a great neighborhood. There’s no reason for Isla to rent something too.”

“Don’t you think it’s too soon?” Dad is sitting with his elbows on the table, glaring at Michael.

“No. I’ve loved Isla since we were kids. The one thing I’ve known for certain for a long time is that she’s it for me, always has been. And when the season begins and she’s in the training trenches, we won’t have much time outside work, but living together will give us at least some opportunity to spend time together.” He turns to look at me, eyes emitting warmth. “Before she moved to New York, we hadn’t seen or even spoken to each other in two years, and I can’t do that again.”

“Neither can I,” I say and peer at my dad. “You’re a parent; it’s natural for you to worry, but believe me when I say I know what I’m doing. I want to build a life with Michael. Only him. Can you please trust me, Dad?”

He sighs, but then he breaks into a smile. “I trust you, sweetheart. Please, never doubt that.” He fixes his focus on Michael. “I’ve known you your whole life, and with parents like yours, I’m not surprised you turned into such a good man.” He straightens. “You’re ambitious, and you’re a hell of an athlete. It’s been a joy watching you earn the recognition you deserve. But, more than that, you’re respectful. You’re kind. You care about your family.” He examines me for a second, then homes in on Michael again. “And you love my daughter. That’s the only thing that truly matters to me.”

“We’ve had years to prepare for this talk,” Mom says, her eyes tearful. “We always thought you two would end up together.”

Heat radiates through my chest, and my hands tingle. Happiness fills me to the brim, making me feel weightless.