“Cos I know it’ll change everything.”
“And you don’t want things to change?” I ask, chancing a glance up at him. His eyes are intense, full of intent.
“I want everything to change.”
“So what’s holding you back still?”
“I know once I have you, I can’t lose you.”
I don’t think this man realises he’s my kryptonite. The way he’s brave, gentle, and kind. If there was any hope of me staying upright, we needed to stop the second we met at the airport. Since that moment, all I’ve done is fall.
“But don’t you know?” I whisper. “You already have me.”
Gage’s eyes flutter closed. “Isabelle.”
“Come to my house tonight. When we leave here, don’t go home. Please.”
Someone speaks into the microphone, asking everyone to take their seats, but I don’t leave until I get an answer.
“Izzy!” Beth calls my name from behind, and I reluctantly pull my hands from Gage’s. “You’re sitting next to me, babe.”
I smile at Beth and let her lead me away from the table, but when I look over my shoulder, it’s to see Gage nodding.Declaring.Tonight… everything’s about to change.
Chapter twenty-one
My fingers tap against my leg as I wait for the door to open. I had to wait nearly three goddamn hours until it was socially acceptable to leave Grams’s ball. As soon as I saw Isabelle saying her goodbyes to my family, a sparkle in her eyes as she looked back over her shoulder as she left the room, I was out of there. Thankfully, they’re all used to me making a quiet and swift exit from big events. They probably didn’t notice the agitation emanating off my skin in waves.
I try knocking again, a little louder, both hands now bracketing the frame as my pulse beats in my ears. I hang my head as I pull in a deep breath, clawing back the chaotic demand for her.
“Well, hey there, handsome. You lost?”
My eyes fly up to find Isabelle’s, her golden hair still falling perfectly over her shoulder, the emerald gown she was wearing now replaced by a fluffy, pale yellow robe.
She’s so goddamn beautiful.
I rush forward and pull her face to mine, inhaling her scent as I kiss her. It’s deep and claiming. It feels like those moments where everything falls into place.
I feel her hands gently climb up my forearms and circle my wrists, where I cup her cheeks in my palms. My thumb caresses her soft, warm skin.
I walk us further into the apartment, my lips never leaving hers as I kick the door shut, then dip down to pick her up. She instantly wraps around my waist, her hands crossed behind my neck as she melts into the kiss.
I can’t remember the last time I kissed someone before Isabelle.
I could barely look a woman in the eye the times I would venture out to the club. I was there for release, not connection.
With Isabelle, I want to fuse myself to her. I can’t get enough. I want her every way I can get her. I want the fast passion, but I want the slow burn too.
“Where’s your bedroom?” I whisper between kisses.
“Behind me.”
I open one eye to look behind her. Dim lighting comes from an open door, so I make my way through the living area. I want to take in the room, all the things she surrounds herself with, but I’m too desperate for her right now.
There’s a bed in the centre with thick, white bedding that looks like clouds. I aim straight for it, spinning around to sit on the end with Isabelle straddling my lap. I run my hands up her back, one running through her hair, clutching the back of her head and holding her to me.
I tear my lips from hers, placing a kiss under her jaw, and further down the column of her throat until I reach her robe. I ease the fabric over her shoulder, kissing the path as her skin becomes bare to me. I pause when I realise there doesn’t appear to be any other clothes underneath.
“Isabelle.”
