On the stairs that day, I swore I’d never like this man, and now I’m in love with him. Our journeys were so different, yet here we are at the same destination.
This time when our lips meet, it feels like one story closes, while another is just beginning. His lips against mine elicit a burst of energy, thejolt fusing passion with a comforting promise that feels like the biggest one of all.
“You love me,” I say when I pull back.
It’s not a question. There’s no doubt in my mind.
“I always have, Eddie. And I always will.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Eventually Mallory and Imade it into the house for the highly anticipated tour of the place I’ll be living.
She glided around the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, crooning over every baby picture, holiday card, school assignment, homemade knickknack, and elementary craft project she could find. The height markings on the kitchen door frame were her favorite part, tracing a finger over faded lines of permanent marker.
After heading back outside to grab the overnight bag Shay packed for Mallory, I lock the truck as we make our way back to the house, hand in hand. Spring has always been my favorite season. The smell of freshly cut grass and a chance of rain permanently in the air. I never cared much for winter, with its shorter days and loss of color.
But for the first time, I’m thankful for winter. This winter specifically. All because of what it brought me.
A swell of emotion wells up in my chest, in awe of the woman beside me. Bathed in the soft light of the moon, her delicate features are even softer and brighter.
We sat on the dock for hours. A moving truck was scheduled for next week. We checked our final grades that came out at midnight. Plansfor the summer were discussed, traveling between Lake Anita and Clear Lake. Most importantly, every other sentence was those three words that have altered my brain chemistry.
Mallory Edwards lovesme.
Standing on the front porch, I brush my hand over her cheek. All my life, love has been used as a bargaining chip. Something that was given or expressed only when I brought honor to the Gray image. I revel in the fact that Mallory’s love is everything theirs wasn’t.
Unconditional. Free. Safe.
“I love you,” I say for the millionth time.
She pushes the door open, and I close it behind me. “I love you, but I’m a little worried you’re going to wear yourself out saying it so much tonight. I’d rather you not run out of love for me anytime soon.”
“I can promise you that won’t ever happen.”
“Good,” she laughs. “Because I’ve been waiting to do this all night.”
Our lips collide and her hands are on me. Pulling at my tie, I loosen it and toss it aside. She smiles mischievously as she unhooks the top button of my shirt. With every one that comes undone, her lips follow, leaving behind streaks of heat. She rubs her hands over my bare chest, peeling the shirt off until it’s on the ground.
“Wait…” I say breathlessly, looking down at her hands on my belt. “Why am I the only one getting undressed?”
“Honestly? I wanted to see how far I could go before you noticed.” With a clang of metal, my pants fall to the floor and she smirks. “I can’t believe it took you this long to notice.”
I was all too comfortable with letting her strip me naked in the living room. Mallory’s victorious laugh follows us as I drag her down the hallway and into my childhood bedroom.
“How am I supposed to focus on anything when your lips are on me? Seems a bit unfair.”
“Fine.” Mallory turns around. “Would you like to make it fair?”
Peeling this dress off her body is exactly what I want to do. All I’ve wanted to do since I saw her in it hours ago. My hand drifts down her back, bare beneath my fingers. Even though the zipper calls my name, I stay a safe distance away from the tiny piece of metal. The last thing I want to do is push her into something because I’m ready.
“I don’t want to push you—”
Mallory stops me by pressing a finger to my lips. “One of the things I love most about you is that you always put me first. My comfort. My safety. My happiness. It doesn’t matter what you want, you’re always thinking of me.” Admiration fills her honeyed eyes. “So no, you’re not pushing me. I’m sure this is what I want.”
This kiss is different than the one in the living room. With her body against mine, everything feels right. There’s no more Edwards, scared to ask for help, because she trusts me and knows I’ll always be there. There’s no more Gray, scared I’d never find a love that was unconditional or reciprocated, because I know she will love me the way I’ve always longed to be.
We love each other correctly.
