“I’m just messing with you, Annalise,” he says, a smirk sliding across his face. “I was already planning on taking you somewhere private for that very reason.”
Bringing my hand to his lips, he places a soft kiss on top of it. “Thank you for giving us another chance.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
maddox
Finally layingit all on the table and telling Annalise that I am still in love with her has me on cloud nine. Even though she didn’t say it back, the fact that she wants to give us a chance is more than enough for me.
My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’ve been doing, because for the first time in years, I am genuinely happy. Given how we left things and how she reacted when she saw me again, I thought the chances of us ever getting back together were slim to none. But now we can finally move forward and create new, beautiful memories together.
“Damn.” I sigh at my reflection in the mirror. I’ve spent the last thirty minutes trying to style my hair, and it is not agreeing with me.
Tonight is the night of our date, and I’ve been a fucking nervous wreck all week long. The other day, I spent hours at the mall trying to find a new cologne and an outfit to wear. Because I couldn’t decide what I wanted, I ended up leaving with five new pairs of pants, seven different shirts, two jackets, and four bottles of cologne.
I’ve taken her on countless dates before, but this one isdifferent. It’s the start of a new chapter for us, and everything has to be perfect.
Even though she wants to give us a chance again, I know she isn’t on the same level as I am. She’s still in a fragile state, and I’m worried I’ll say or do something to scare her off. Living in a world without her was unbearable, and I won’t be able to survive if I lose her again.
“Wish me luck, Tsuki.” Crouching down, I ruffle her soft fur and kiss the top of her head before slipping out the door.
My heart pounds loudly in my ears and my stomach twists in knots as I approach Annalise’s apartment. Raising my hand, I rap my knuckles against her door. I inhale and exhale, attempting to calm my jitters while I wait for her.
I have no problem playing basketball in front of 20,000 people, but this? All of my confidence has flown out the window. I’m just as nervous as I was when I was fifteen, trying to impress the girl I’ve been in love with since third grade.
Annalise swings open the door and all the air leaves my lungs as I take her in. “Hey, Dimples,” she says, smiling brightly.
Fuck, she looks incredible.
Her chestnut-brown hair is half-up and those luscious lips are covered in a soft pink gloss, making them more inviting.
The outfit she’s wearing makes me want to cancel all my plans and take her right here and now. She’s in a pair of flared jeans that hug her deliciously thick thighs and plump ass, and a green halter top that looks perfect against her tan skin.
Since she’s not wearing a bra, I’m able to see the outline of her pierced nipples through her top. Thinking about the last time I had them in my mouth sends a rush of need straight to my cock. It doesn’t help that the longer I stare at them, the harder they become.
“You’re drooling,” she teases.
My eyes lift to hers and she’s wearing an amused look on her face. “I can’t help myself,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck and offering her a half-smile. “You look sexi-ful.”
What?
Blush creeps across my cheeks. The date hasn’t even started and I’m already acting a fool.
Annalise chuckles softly. “You look pretty sexi-ful yourself.”
“These are for you.” I bring my arm from behind my back and hand her the bouquet of fresh flowers that I carefully picked out. It's an arrangement of orchids, peonies, baby's breath, and roses—her favorite.
Her entire face lights up as she takes the bouquet from me and inhales deeply. “Maddox, these are so beautiful. Thank you. I can’t wait for our date.” She pushes up on her tiptoes and plants a kiss on my lips, settling my nerves.
Lively music pulsates through the air and colorful lights from the carnival rides surround us as I pull into the vacant parking lot. I step out of my car and round to the passenger side, opening the door for Annalise while extending my hand to her.
She takes it with a smile and I guide her toward the entrance, where a cheerful carnival worker greets us, letting us through with a wave. Under normal circumstances the carnival would’ve been filled with people, especially on a Saturday night in spring.
“You rented the whole carnival for us?” she asks, her sapphire and emerald eyes sparkling as she turns to look at me.
“Yeah. I remember how much you used to love going.”
A few moments of silence pass, and suddenly the whole idea feels silly. I haven’t been around Annalise in years. She’s probably grown out of that by now.
