“How about that shower and late-night snack?”
Gazing into his eyes, I finally let the hope bloom that there’s a real chance we could make this thing between us into something permanent.
“Deal.”
He leans in and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “Tomorrow is a new day, Nantes. A new future.”
“Together?”
His expression relaxes as his eyes soften. “Absolutely.”
Chapter 27
Vanian
It’s been a week since we took out Alex Fetterman, and a lot has changed since then. Not externally. Not in ways that would be noticeable to anyone but me, but my whole life shifted the moment I bumped into Nantes again.
As I work on updating the chart from my last appointment, the truth hits me like a ton of bricks.
I can’t do this anymore.
Nantes nailed it. I was so caught up in my obsession with ridding these kids of their nightmares I didn’t realize the toll it was taking on my mental health. It’s left me depleted. How effective a therapist can I even be at this point?
I hear the click of the front door opening and closing and the quiet rustle of Nantes removing his shoes. That’s the other thing that’s shifted. I have big feelings for him, feelings I’ve never had before about anyone, and I’m pretty sure I can’t walk away. Even just two hours away.
He enters the office, and the warm smile and affection on his face solidify the decisions bouncing around my head. It’s a lot, but the alternative doesn’t feel right.
“What’s wrong?”
Shaking my head, I smile, gesturing for him to come over to me. “Nothing’s wrong, Bends. Everything is better than it’s ever been.”
He settles on my lap, shifting his weight so as not to crush me, and runs his fingers through my hair. “Need to talk?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
His smile fades, and I see the worry seep into his features. He thinks I’m leaving.
“I’ve been thinking a lot over the last week. You can probably tell.”
“Yes.”
I tickle his palm as I consider how to say the things in my head. “Reconnecting with you has changed everything. In ways I never even considered. Not just my sexuality, but the way I was living, the trajectory of my future. All of it is different now.”
He nods, delicately chewing on his bottom lip.
“I’ve taken it all to heart. Everything you’ve said, the way I feel here with you and your family. Honestly, I don’t know how I lasted as long as I did without you.”
“I feel the same way.”
“And sure, Chicago isn’t far, but waking up and falling asleep next to you, having coffee with you, talking about my day with you, listening to you talk about yours… I want that, Nantes. I want it every day.”
His jaw drops. “What are you saying?”
“You were right. I can’t keep doing what I’ve been doing, and that means I have to make major changes, including my career.”
He looks so concerned. I have to hurry and finish this.
“Nantes, I… I’m in love with you.” I blow out a breath. “Fuck, that feels so good to say out loud.”
