Hearthook - opposites attract

Chapter 16- Amends

James took a deep, steadying breath, his eyes closing momentarily as he gathered the courage to speak. "At first, this was all about revenge for me," he began, his words faltering slightly. "But then I got to know you, Bridget, and I... I fell in love with you."

Pausing, he opened his eyes, his gaze locking with hers, silently pleading for her to understand. "Everything that happened between us, it started with a lie, I know that. But everything else - the date, the way I feel about you - that was all real. I was going crazy, thinking about how I was going to have to hurt you. I tried to tell Uliana I was done, but she threatened to take matters into her own hands, and I couldn't let her hurt you even worse."

James shook his head, his expression etched with regret and desperation. "I'm so sorry, Bridget. Please, please believe me. I love you more than anything, and I wish I could fix this, I'll do anything." His voice broke slightly as he uttered the final words, his eyes searching hers pleadingly.

Swallowing hard, James steeled himself before continuing. "I've left Uliana's group, Bridget. And I... I would like to go to the dance with you for real. I love you, and I'm begging you to give me another chance."

Bridget's heart raced as she listened to James' impassioned confession, her emotions swirling in a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty. Could she truly believe him, after all the hurt he had caused her? And yet, the sincerity in his eyes, the tremor in his voice, spoke volumes. Slowly, she reached out, her hand brushing against his, as she considered her response.

Bridget studied James intently, her eyes searching his face as she considered his words. After a moment, she whispered, "Say it again."

James met her gaze, his expression earnest and vulnerable. "I love you, Bridget. I'll do anything to make this right."

A soft smile tugged at the corners of Bridget's lips, and she leaned in, pressing her forehead against his. "I love you too, James," she murmured. Her expression then turned serious, the playfulness in her eyes tempered by a quiet resolve. "But if you ever lie to me again, or hurt me... we're done. Understand?"

James nodded quickly, his arms tightening around her as he pulled her close. "I'll never do it again, I promise," he breathed, burying his face in the soft, strawberry-scented strands of her hair.

Bridget relaxed into his embrace, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "And to make it up to me, you're going to help me bake all the treats for the upcoming dance. We have a lot of work to do."

Before James could respond, Bridget pressed her hands against his chest and pulled him in, kissing him deeply. When she finally broke the kiss, she playfully chided, "And no more skipping school, mister. You're going to your classes on time, got it?"

James couldn't help but smile, a genuine, carefree expression that Bridget had rarely seen from him. "Anything for you, my love," he murmured, leaning in to steal another kiss.

HELLO! so I won't be doing a lot of Author notes but I was going to have Bridget ignore him a bit more. But I also hate when characters don't talk anything out, so do you think she forgave him to quickly or no?