I climb onto Oliver’s lap, my legs wrapping around his hips. His kiss strengthens, the feel of his tongue against mine turning my knees to jello.
“Is this okay?” He rasps, his voice rough with want. “I don’t want to give you another flare.”
I giggle against his lips. “You won’t. Trust me. This isn’t stressing me out at all.”
If he was waiting for a formal invitation, that must have been it. With smooth, quick movements, he pulls my shirt off and tosses it to the floor. His mouth captures my neck, sucking gently at the spot beneath my ear. He knows just how to touch me, where to touch me. It’s not that he’s reading me. He’sknowing me—like no one else in the world can. Every brush of his lips, every sweep of his hands feels like coming home to something I’d forgotten I was missing.
Easing me onto my back, he braces his forearms on either side of my head and gazes down at me. Two crystal blue oceans swallow me up, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m perfectly fine getting lost in his eyes, and if I had my way, I would stay here forever.
His hand trails down my side, fingers hooking into the band of my sweatpants and pulling them down. I push his shirt up his chest, laughing as I struggle to get it over his head. Grinning, he pulls the covers back, and we snuggle underneath them, warm in our shared little cocoon. The morning light filters through, casting everything in a soft glow.
Oliver kisses the tip of my nose. “I’ve dreamed so much of this.”
“Me, too,” I breathe, brushing my fingertips along the fine hair on his chest. His heartbeat drums steady beneath my palm.
His strong palms close around my hips, drawing me closer to him. Our lips meet, the kiss fiery and frantic. Heat builds between us, years of longing condensed into this single moment. He gently breaks the kiss and leans his forehead against mine with a soft chuckle.
“What?” I ask with a smile.
He draws back a little bit so that he can get a good look at my face. His eyes roam over my features like he’s memorizing every detail. “I love you so much it’s crazy, that’s what.”
Pleasure ripples through me, my smile broadening. It’s been years since he’s told me he loves me. Way too many years. The words wash over me like warm honey, filling all the empty spaces I didn’t realize were still there.
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
Wrapping my arms around him, I snuggle against his chest. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be, or anyone I wouldrather be with. His heartbeat is strong and steady beneath my ear, a rhythm I could listen to forever.
This is it for me. This is home.
Home.
Because I’m back with Oliver. Back where I’ve always belonged.
Epilogue
Six months later
Oliver
Cupping my hands around my mouth, I shout to the team, who just scored the first goal of the game. “Nice defense! Keep it up!”
Next to me, Jeff claps his hands together, the sound sharp even over the noise of the crowd. We both know we’ve lost our chance to make it to the championships this year, but whatever. It’s the last game of the season before winter break, and the kids are excited about getting some time off from school. I’m not sure even one of them will be hanging their heads after this game.
Movement to the left catches my eye, a flash of bright red that I instantly recognize as Devin’s hat. She’s next to the plexiglass, talking to this season’s physical therapy intern, her gloved hands moving as she speaks. As if feeling my eyes on her, she looks right at me and grins. I grin back, feeling no older than the boys on my team, an awkward teen getting all excited when his crush blesses him with a smile.
It takes tremendous strength, but I drag my eyes away fromher and focus on the game. The team is pulling ahead, cheers erupting from the stands when our goalie blocks the puck. The sound echoes off the arena walls, a wave of noise that makes my chest expand.
“What are your plans for winter break?” Jeff asks me, falling into the easygoing chat we often have while also keeping our eyes on the game.
“We’re staying at home.” Just saying it makes me feel warm all over.
It’s been six months since I moved in with Devin, and every morning I wake up next to her feels like another lottery won. After a busy year with a few more flares than she would have liked, we’ve decided to take it easy and not travel. Her family was disappointed but also understanding, and my family...
They’re another story, but it’s fine. The space that’s grown in our relationship is probably for the best. Talking less means that there’s less tension, and I’m not dreading going to my brother’s housewarming party in a couple of months. I now know the benefit of keeping the conversation to certain topics, and my parents are mostly willing to oblige. The constant judging has at least slowed down.
“What did you get Devin for Christmas?” Jeff’s barely asked the question before he has to shout at the ice again. “Finish your checks!”
I bite into a smile. “This and that. Nothing really special.”
