“Oh.”
“How could you think I’d mess with your friend?”
“Because I’m an idiot.”
“I’m not going to argue with you.”
For the first time, we both smiled, and I had hope that perhaps we could find a way back to each other.
“I miss you,” I said, stepping into her personal space. “I miss you so much, it hurts. Please forgive me.”
Her chest deflated on a long exhale as she angled her head and met my eyes.
“I missed you too,” she confessed. “More than I thought possible. I didn’t want to come across as desperate, but I askedTrevor how you were every other time he stopped by the house.” A short burst of laughter fell from her lips. “Poor guy probably thought I’d never stop asking.”
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into me. “I’m desperate. For you. For us to be what we were before everything went to shit.”
“We were a mess.”
“Don’t say that.”
“It’s true. Think about it,” she said, placing her hands on my chest, this time not in anger.
“I have, for the last several weeks.”
“At the very least, our relationship was anything but normal.”
“How about anything but boring?” I countered.
“That’s a fair assessment.”
The curve of her lips called to me, and before I could talk myself out of it, I kissed her. At first, she froze, just as surprised as I was even though I’d been the one to make the move. But then she softened against me, her mouth moving in tandem with mine.
She snaked her hands beneath my shirt. “Are you sure you won’t end up resenting me?” she mumbled against my mouth.
I pulled back in surprise, already missing the taste of her lips. “Why would I resent you?”
“Because of the fight.”
“Sophie, that wasn’t your fault.”
“I know, but I still feel guilty.”
She moved her hands to my back, the heat of her touch comforting. I never wanted her to carry any burden related to what occurred at the fight. Or anything that happened because of my loss.
“Please don’t. You did everything right. You tolerated me when anyone else would’ve walked away. You helped me more than you’ll know. And you loved me with a purity I didn’tdeserve. Still don’t. And if you’ll give me another chance, I promise you won’t regret it.”
Her gaze simmered against mine, flickering with a shadow of mischievousness.
“Since I do still love you and you’re still illegally hot, I guess I’ll stick around.” She rolled her eyes in jest. “But on one condition.”
“Name it. Anything.”
“I’m starving. I haven’t had a good meal in weeks, and it’s about time you take me on a real date.”
“Deal. And I apologize for not taking you out on a proper date before now, but can we eat after?”
She cocked her head and frowned. “After what?”
