I spin on my heel and turn before I change my mind. My adrenaline’s pumping so hard that I make it down all ten flights of steps in record time. I’m all the way in my car before my phone pings with a text.
Portia: You should have kissed me.
“I know!” I yell loudly inside my car, resisting the urge to chuck my phone.I’m so mad at myself!I’ve been ready for days to kiss her. That’s all I think about, but I choked. Clenching my teeth, I slowly inhale the biggest breath of my life and pull my shoulders back.
I willnotbe that guy who chokes in the last inning.
I must go back up there!
Ten flights of stairs or a thousand—it doesn’t matter.
That’s my girl, and there’s no way I’m going to leave this place with her being disappointed in me!
I yank on my car door handle and set off. My feet fly forward, adrenaline moves them swiftly up the stairs and I practically fly up each new flight. I’m on a mission, and nothing will stop me now.
Sure, I’m breathing heavily, but I’ve never felt more alive as I charge up the last flight and practically dive the last steps to land with both palms on her door.
This is it.
Pulling out my phone, I construct a text and press send.
Christian: I forgot something. I’m outside your door.
It’s eerily quiet as I wait in silence. The long fluorescent hall light flickers behind me.
Portia’s door opens slowly. The cute tip of her nose peeks through the crack, but it doesn’t take more than a moment for her to open the door wider. She’s wearing fuzzy cloud pajamas. She’s got a faint trace of mascara smudges under her eyes, but she’s never looked more beautiful with the rosy glow on her cheeks. Her brow furrows into concern, and her lips part.
Before she can ask why I’m here, I swoop in, placing one hand on her hip and pull her close to me. My knees buckle, but I don’t wimp out as I take her chin in my other hand and guide her mouth toward mine.
Her eyes are wide, but she is not hesitant. I lean closer, inhaling her breath into mine. Her sweet as honey essence wafts under my nose as I inch closer.
I can’t bear to close my eyes.
She’s so irrationally beautiful.
All I want to do is absorb everything about this moment with all my senses.
Her eyelids close before our lips meet into a sweet, pillowy kiss that leaves the softest tickle under my nose. I seal our kiss with a softer kiss and pull back.
Blinking several times to be sure this was real, my smile only grows larger when she doesn’t dither. She stays in my arms, her cheeks glowing. I drop my forehead to touch hers, enjoying having her in my arms. “I’ve been waiting to do that for so long.”
“Me too,” she whispers. “You do realize you have to wake up in three hours, don’t you?”
Sighing, I know she’s right. “Yeah, I need to go, but we’re still on for lunch tomorrow, right?”
“Absolutely.” Her smile grows, and I take that as an invitation to lean in, stealing another quick smooch.
As I back away, I wave, and softly call, “Good night.”
Then I practically float down the stairs, knowing full well there is no way I’m getting any sleep tonight.
But it is worth it.
thirty-three
Portia
It’s noon, and I finally venture out of my apartment after sleeping in all morning. Christian had called when Arielle arrived to relieve him for her shift. He asked me to meet him for lunch. I lock my door, and I’m about to pivot on my heel when my phone dings in my hand.
