“Get used to it, because I don’t think it’ll ever go back to a normal pace when you’re around.”
She chuckles. “Are you flirting with me?”
I grin against her hair. She smells so good. “You’re only noticing now? At least tell me it’s working.”
“You can do better,” she teases.
“Mmh.” My hands travel beneath her jumper to rest on her waist. “I have a question for you.”
She retreats to look up. Fuck me, those eyes will be the death of me. “Yes?”
“Jordan mentioned that you don’t like casual relationships. Why did you say yes when I said I didn’t want any strings attached?”
An adorable shade of pink rises in her cheeks. “I wanted any piece of yourself you’d give me.”
The admission makes my breath catch. “Why?”
“Don’t make fun of me.” She’s even more embarrassed now, and that piques my curiosity.
“That’s a cruel thing to ask me,” I jest, with a kiss on her nose.
Alara pushes me away, amused, but rolls her eyes. “I had a really big crush on you when we were in high school. I just thought that taking what you could give me was better than nothing at all, but I just fell harder for you.”
I grin, pulling her toward the edge of the counter to wrap her in a fierce hug. My smile doesn’t fade away when I bury my face in the crook of her neck, and when I chuckle softly, she lightly hits my shoulder.
“You’re laughing, you asshole.”
“Nah, I just think it’s the cutest thing ever.” I kiss her neck, her jaw, her pouty lips. “I had no fucking clue, but trust me when I say this: if I had known, I would’ve dated the shit out of you back then too.”
“No, you would have not. I was quiet and awkward, and you were the star of the school.”
“So? At least you have me now, and I have you, and I plan on making you the happiest woman alive.”
Her lips brush mine. “Who knew you could be so corny? That’s cute.”
“Not cute,” I grumble, which elicits the most beautiful, hearty laugh from her.
My fingers tangle with her hair when I pull her mouth to mine, a kiss that expresses all our frustration and sadness from these past days, mixed with this new feeling of utter devotion we’re experiencing now. It’s blissful, like a shot of ecstasy rushing through my bloodstream. Knowing my love for her will only deepen and grow fiercely stronger makes me excited at the thought of our future.
I laugh quietly when she locks her legs around me. “Someone’s greedy.”
“Can you blame me? You’re looking so hot with your shirt and that towel draped on your shoulder and—” She stops short, her eyes widening. “Oh, shit.”
“What?” I look around, clueless and confused.
Amusement glints in her eyes, and when her laughter rings like a melody, I can’t help but think she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. “Diego, baby, it smells like burnt food.”
EPILOGUE
DIEGO
Three months later
“Guess what, guess what, guesswhat!”
I storm into Alara’s cabin like a madman, only to stop short when I spot her sitting cross-legged on the couch, laptop on her lap and phone pressed to her ear. I give her a sheepish smile before bending down to cradle Tabby.
“Hi, you.” I press a kiss to the top of her head, taking the opportunity to inhale her scent. Why do cats smell so good? Their food smells like horseshit, yet their fur smells like literal heaven.
