And maybe that’s what makes this moment different.
I don’t need him.
But I want him.
“Come home with me?” he whispers, his face an expression of both hope and pain.
I smile, still catching my breath. “You live here?”
“A few blocks away. Not far. I picked the place on purpose.”
“Of course you did.” I shake my head, a quiet laugh bubbling up through the tears.
“You’re allowed to say no,” he adds. “I mean it. I’ll understand.”
I slide my hand into his, our fingers threading perfectly together.
“No. I want to come home with you.”
His breath catches, and for a second, he just looks at me. Like he’s trying to be sure this is okay. That I’m really here, that I’m really going home with him.
Then he leans in and presses a kiss to my forehead. It’s soft and careful. Like he’s giving me one more chance to pull away.
I don’t.
So when he kisses me for real, I kiss him back. It’s slow and soft, a little unsure at first, both of us trying to remember how this goes. But then, so quickly, it’s like no time has passed at all. As easy as breathing.
And somehow, it feels both exactly the same and completely new all at once.
45
SOPHIE
Ihave so many questions that need answers. And I will ask them, but not tonight. As I gaze at Theo while he drives, his hand in mine, I want nothing more than to bask in his presence.
I still can't believe he's here. I'm terrified I'll wake up at any moment only to realize this was all a dream.
He drives carefully through the dark streets, getting closer and closer to campus with every turn. I can feel one of my eyebrows inching higher up my face the closer we get.
He pulls into a parking garage not three blocks from my dorms and parks in a designated space.
“No way,” I whisper. “You've been this close this whole time?”
He turns to me as he pulls the key from the ignition with a smirk on his face. “I could never be away from you, Trouble. You're mine. As long as you'll still have me.”
His voice dips at those last few words and I can hear the vulnerability there, underneath his smile. He means every word.
“Of courseI will. Always.”
“Then come on, let me show you my new place.”
He climbs out and circles the car, opening my door for me. Always the gentleman. Glad to see that hasn't changed.
We walk hand in hand to the apartment building’s entryway, through the halls and up an elevator. When we arrive at his front door, he takes a deep breath before letting us both inside.
Winnie comes flying at me, tail wagging, and I drop to my knees. I feel happy tears flooding my eyes again, and I blink them free. I never thought I'd see this sweet pup again.
“Come here. I want to show you something.”
