“I would if you wanted to see it. But I’ll leave the choice up to you.” He squeezes my hand, and I blow out a long breath.
“Marvel any day of the week.”
He chuckles. “Oh thank God.”
Leading me to the ticket queue, he holds my hand tight. I can’t remember a time when I’ve been so happy—at least not in the past few years.
I’ve got my best friend back.
Even if nothing comes of this, the pressure that’s been sitting on my chest every time I saw him these past few years has lessened.
And every time he does something sweet, my guard lowers a little more.
“Popcorn?” he asks.
“Yes, please.”
I bounce on the balls of my heels while he buys tickets and snacks. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a movie theatre—I’d rather watch a movie at home or read a book, but I am looking forward to this.
It’s different when you’re not alone.
I follow him into the theatre once he’s got everything.
I could get used to this.
“Let’s sit up the back,” Patrick says.
We’re still early enough to get good seats, and as the theatre fills up, nerves keep eating at my stomach.
Will he kiss me?
Am I overthinking everything?
The lights dim, and the trailers start. Patrick laces his fingers with mine and smiles when I meet his gaze.
I like this.
I likehim.
I always did.
When the movie starts, he squeezes my fingers tight and leans toward me. I meet him in the middle and rest my head on his shoulder.
He feels safe.
As the movie goes on, I’m acutely aware of him—his clean, soapy smell, the way his breathing’s so steady when mine is a mess being so close to him.
“Cassie,” he murmurs in my ear.
Even in the darkened theatre, everything he needs to say shows in his eyes. They study my features, and I hold my breath when he licks his lips.
A lump forms in my throat as every nerve in my body tingles. He leans closer, grazing my lips with his before he presses down, kissing me gently.
“Patrick,” I whisper.
He kisses me again, and this time he slips his tongue between my lips. At first, I’m taken aback, but I lean into it, tasting him for the first time.
I wish I knew what I was doing.
