“This isn’t your call. It’s mine. It’s my life. So, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry, but that’s not my problem anymore.”
The silence that follows feels charged, her words reverberating in the freezing air.
“Allison,” someone else tries to speak, but she doesn’t even turn to look at them. She just takes my hand, threading her fingers through mine with a deliberate finality that sends a jolt straight to my chest.
“I’m spending the night at Serena’s,” she announces, pulling me away with a determination that leaves no room for argument. Her family gapes after us, stunned into silence for the first time all night.
Through the crowd, we spot Alli’s mom giving a subtle nod—an approval that’s as silent as it is clear, telling Alli it’s okay to stand up for herself. We don’t look back, leaving her relatives jammed in disbelief.
We reach her car, and she finally stops, leaning against the passenger door as her hand slowly lets go of mine. Her face tilts up to mine, all the fire and fight from moments ago shifting into something unguarded.
“I’m sorry about that…”
“You don’t have to apologize,” I say, my hands finding her hips like it’s second nature. “Not for standing your ground. Not for us.”
Her lips twitch on the verge of a smile. “This is not exactly how I pictured tonight going.”
“You mean this wasn’t on your family’s fun holiday agenda?” I tease gently, earning the smallest of laughs.
She shakes her head, exhaling in a way that looks like it might be relief. Then her eyes meet mine again, and the tension that had been broken by her aunt’s interruption suddenly floods back, heavier than before.
“I meant what I said back there,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the cold wind.
“So did I,” I say without hesitation. “I won’t lose you again, Alli. Not for anyone.”
“You’ve got that look again,” she whispers, her breath fogging between us.
“What look?”
“The one that says you’re going to kiss me.”
I don’t think twice.
My hand slips into her hair, tugging her closer, and I kiss her like the world doesn’t exist beyond us. She meets me halfway, rising up on her toes, her hands gripping me against her like she’s holding on for dear life. And I can feel it—she’s not pulling away. She’s here with me.
There’s nothing careful about it. No tiptoeing around feelings or consequences. Just us, all fire and need, like every word spoken tonight lit a fuse we both knew was going to explode.
Chapter 48
Alli
We move in sync, quietly sneaking up the stairs. His house is silent and empty, and the door barely clicks shut before his lips slam into mine again.
“Where’s everyone?”
“Don’t care.” He growls. His hands slide over my back, strong but careful, like he’s trying to pull me closer without breaking me. And I feel it too, that fear, that longing, like I might disappear at the snap of his fingers if he lets go.
I disconnect to catch my breath, but before I can, he’s kissing me again, deeper this time. When we finally separate, we’re both breathless, leaning into each other for support, foreheads pressed together.
“Alli,” he says, his grip tightening like he’s afraid I’ll run. His eyes bore into mine, intense and unyielding. “This isn’t just about wanting you. I’m not walking away this time.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I say, my hand tracing the line of his jaw.
“No games.” His lips hover over mine, barely touching, just enough to make me swallow all pride and fear. “No overthinking.”
“No games.” Without another word, he pulls me closer, lifting me effortlessly. My legs wrap around his waist, his lips grazing the curve of my neck.
I let out a hum, quieter than I meant. He pauses, his eyes scanning me like he’s making sure.
