It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

When I glance at Lily, it looks like she’s about to sink into the floor. I
didn’t mean to upset her even more by talking about this.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a pessimist. We can change the subject.”
“You aren’t a pessimist, Atlas. You’re a realist, and I need that from you.”
She lifts her head off my shoulder and peeks over at Emmy, who is still
asleep on my leg. Then Lily settles against me again, releasing a quiet sigh.
“You know, even if I had reported Ryle and fought for sole custody, my
chances were slim. He has no criminal history, and he has money for the best
lawyers. Almost every lawyer I spoke to encouraged me to work it out civilly
with him because they’ve seen cases like ours, and the arrangement Ryle was
agreeing to at the time was my best option.”
I grab her hand and lace my fingers through hers. She wipes away a tear
that skates down her cheek. I hate that I even brought it up, but these fears are
already in her. I’m just glad to know she’s thinking about it because she
needs to stay a step ahead of Ryle. “Whatever happens, you aren’t alone in
this anymore.”
Lily smiles appreciatively.
Emerson begins to stir awake on my leg. She opens her eyes and looks at
me, and then immediately searches for Lily. She makes a beeline for her,
right across my lap. When she’s in Lily’s arms, I lift my leg and stretch it. I
haven’t been able to move it for over half an hour and it’s asleep.
“We should go,” she says. “I feel guilty for even being here with her. I’d
be livid if Ryle took her around a girlfriend without me knowing.”
“I think your situations are a little different. Ryle isn’t having to find a
safe place to hide your daughter for the day because he’s scared of your
temper. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
Lily shoots me a grateful look.
I help her gather their things and I walk her to the car. Once Emerson is in
her car seat, Lily moves close to say goodbye. I burrow my fingers in her hips
and tug her closer. I dip my head, grazing her nose, and then I catch her lips
with mine. I kiss her deeply, wanting her to still feel it on her drive home.
I slide my hands into the back pockets of her jeans and squeeze her ass. It
makes her laugh. Then she sighs wistfully. “I already miss you.”
I nod in agreement. “There’s been a lot of that on my end,” I admit. “I’m
kind of obsessed with you, Lily Bloom.” I kiss her cheek and then force
myself to release her.