“If it had been a month since you ended things with Nathan, would you feel differently?”
“Probably. It wouldn’t be as big of a story and—”
“Then it’s been a month.” Jenna shrugs, like it’s that simple. “Have fun.” She skips past and opens the door for Zane. “Sorry about that. We just had a little existential crisis to overcome, but we’re good. I’ll leave you two alone.” She continues out the door, and when Zane steps into my line of sight, my entire world shifts.
Having him here fills me with a familiar warmth that sets my soul on fire. He’s changed so much—he’s taller and his muscles now fill out his shirt with the ridges of his abs visible through the tight material. Just a glimpse conjures memories of the deep V that guides a path toward the dusting of light hair across his—
What am I doing?
It’s like I’m a teenager again, getting swept up in Zane’s world, pushing the consequences of my feelings out of my mind.
We hurt each other once; we can do it again.
No… hurt is not a strong enough word. He destroyed me once, and from our talk last night, I destroyed him all the same.
I need to be mindful of that. We both do.
Zane closes the door while I’m lost in my head, but as he turns my way, I pull myself out of it.
“Hi,” he says softly, his usually cocky grin replaced with a smile that exudes genuine comfort, his soulful eyes meeting mine. My breath hitches.How are my feelings so present after all these years?I thought I was stronger than this. I thought I’d be able to think straight, but he touches me once, and I’m thrown back to my late teens and the giddy feelings he gave me.
I wish I’d never told him I wanted to wait back then. At least now I wouldn’t be craving it, wondering what it would be like to have him inside me.
The thought brings me back to last night, and my body sizzles before I smile.
“Thank God.” Zane walks closer, kicking off his shoes before lifting his hand to my cheek, running his thumb along my lip. “I was almost certain you’d tell me to fuck off.”
“I should.” I step back, out of his grasp.
“I know.”
“I deserve time to think. I told you I needed that and you ignored me.”
“I did.”
“Now you’re invading my personal space, intruding on my sanctuary without so much as a text message for notice.”
“B, I’m not even going to pretend that I’m sorry. I couldn’t walk away if I tried. Anything else?”
“Yeah.” I step back again, dropping my hands to my side as heat courses through me. My next words leave my mouth before I’ve had time to think them through, but I don’t regret them. I can’t. “If you don’t kiss me right now, I’m going to riot.”
The briefest of grins lights Zane’s face before he schools his features and nods. “That I can do. Always.”
I barely get time to take in a breath before he’s covered the distance between us, his hands cupping my face, his inquisitive gaze boring into mine, as though still not convinced this is real.
But it is, and I’ve never wanted anything more.
Grabbing his shirt, I curl my fingers into the soft fabric and pull him impossibly close, angling my face until our eyes lock once more.
Zane quietly groans, and the sound of it travels from his lips to my chest, filling me with desire.
“Zane,” I whisper on a breath, my skin heating as a blush undoubtedly coats my cheeks.
“I always loved this about you, B.” He pulls back, gently stroking my cheek, confirming my suspicion. “I never had to guess how you felt.”
“I didn’t think you ever had to question it?”
“Not then, no. But now…” he trails off and a moment of doubt creeps into my mind until his hand glides into my hair, and his lips descend on mine, wiping my doubts away.
