"We did," Jade agreed. "But we're not in the crisis anymore."
"No." Maddox squeezed her hand. "We're not."
"And we're still choosing each other."
"Will you keep choosing me? Tomorrow and the day after and?—"
"Yes," Jade said. "Every day. I love you."
"I love you," Maddox said at the same time.
They stared at each other for a beat, then both laughed again. Jade couldn’t help but be surprised and delighted by the timing, by the certainty, by the fact that they were really doing this.
Maddox stood, pulling Jade up with her. The kiss was salty with tears and sweet with wine and full of everything they'd justsaid and everything they hadn't needed to say. Jade melted into it, into Maddox's arms.
When they broke apart, Zeus lifted his head from where he'd been lying, watching them with those intelligent eyes.
"Yeah, you too," Maddox said, her voice still thick with emotion. She reached down to run her hand over his head, and Jade did the same. "All three of us."
Jade crouched beside them, wrapping one arm around Maddox and using her other hand to scratch Zeus's chest the way he loved. "All of us," she said. "Our family."
The word settled over them—big and certain and right.
Jade stayed crouched there, her hand on Zeus's warm fur and Maddox's shoulder pressed against hers. The light was going soft and purple at the edges. Then Maddox straightened and pulled Jade up with her.
"Come inside," Maddox said, her voice dropping lower.
Jade's pulse kicked up. "Yeah," she said. "Let's go inside."
They moved toward the house, all three of them. The stars had come out, scattered and bright against the dark.
Inside, Maddox turned to face her, and the look in her eyes made Jade's stomach flip.
"What?" Jade asked.
Maddox just shook her head, reaching for Jade's hand. "Come upstairs with me."
Not a question, an open invitation.
Jade laced their fingers together. "Yeah."
They climbed the stairs together, Maddox leading the way with that confident stride Jade loved so much. Jade’s heart raced, anticipation building with every step, and Maddox’s hand felt warm and sure in hers.
At the top of the landing, Maddox turned left toward the bedroom, pulling Jade gently behind her. Maddox flicked on thesmall black lamp, bathing the room in a warm glow. She released Jade’s hand to close the door behind them with a soft click.
Jade stood there, watching Maddox’s broad shoulders as she turned back, her short-cropped hair catching the light. Maddox’s eyes locked on Jade’s, dark and hungry, but filled with deep affection that made Jade’s chest tighten. Without a word, Maddox stepped closer and cupped Jade’s face in her hands. Their lips met in a slow, deliberate kiss, Maddox’s mouth firm yet inviting.
Jade melted into it, her hands sliding up Maddox’s arms to grip her biceps, feeling the toned muscles flex under her fingers. The kiss deepened, their tongues exploring and a spark igniting low in Jade’s belly. Maddox’s hands moved down, tracing Jade’s jaw, her neck, then settling on her waist, pulling her flush against her body. Jade could feel the heat radiating from Maddox, the subtle press of her breasts against her own.
“I’ve wanted this all day,” Maddox murmured against Jade’s lips.
Jade smiled into the kiss. “Me too. God, Maddox…”
They broke apart just enough for Maddox to undress her. Her hands found the hem of Jade’s shirt, lifting it slowly over her head, exposing Jade’s toned midriff and the lacy black bra beneath. Jade raised her arms, helping, her long hair tumbling back down her back as the shirt hit the floor. Maddox’s gaze raked over her, appreciative and reverent, before she reached around to unhood the bra with practiced ease. It fell away, and Jade’s breasts spilled free, her nipples already hardening in the cool air.
Maddox’s hands were on them immediately, palms cupping the full weight, thumbs circling the peaks. Jade gasped, arching into the touch. “You feel so good,” Maddox whispered, leaning down to kiss Jade’s collarbone, then trailing her lips lower to take one nipple into her mouth. She sucked gently, tongueflicking, while her hand kneaded the other breast. Jade’s head fell back, a moan escaping her as pleasure shot straight to her core.
Jade’s hands went to Maddox’s shirt, yanking it up and over her head. Maddox’s sports bra came next, peeled off to reveal her firm breasts, her dark nipples already perked up. Jade ran her palms over the smooth skin, tracing the lines of Maddox’s abs, feeling the strength there. She leaned in, pressing open-mouthed kisses along Maddox’s sternum.
