This time it’s slower. Gentle. My hand settles at her lower back while her fingers brush my cheek, and I bring her closer to me, wanting this moment to last forever.
That’s when my phone starts ringing.
The sound cuts through the quiet, and we both pull back slightly. I sigh, pressing my forehead briefly against hers.
“That’s probably Miss Diane,” I say, reluctantly. “I have to go pick up Uncle Mike.”
She looks up at me, bright and soft at the same time, and for a second, I look at her, desperately trying to convince myself this is real. Her lips are pink from our kiss, her cheeks flushed, and I have to remind myself this is real. That she’s actually here, standing this close to me.
“It’s okay,” she says softly. “It’s getting late anyway.”
We stay like that a moment longer before my phone dings again, this time with a text.
I kiss her briefly, unable to resist.
“I really do have to go get him,” I murmur.
She smiles and nods.
We get the dogs inside, the warmth of the house wrapping around us again. Skye curls immediately onto her bed while Neptune lingers beside her until May calls him over.
“Let’s go, little boy. You can see your friend tomorrow.”
He follows her reluctantly, glancing back at Skye, and I can’t help but smile. He is just as taken as I am.
I lock the front door while she walks toward her place, Neptune already waiting at her steps. I watch her open the door for him, the porch light catching in her hair, and before I can stop myself, I jog the few steps over.
She turns when she hears me, and suddenly we’re standing close again, the quiet between us feeling different now—full, charged, real.
I don’t know what to say.
She smiles first, reaching up to touch the side of my face, gentle and certain.
I lean down and kiss her again, softer this time, slow and careful. Her lips move against mine like a promise.
I press one last kiss to her lips, her nose, and then her forehead, reluctant to let go.
“I have to go get him,” I say quietly, smiling. “Or I’ll stay here doing this forever.”
She laughs softly.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
Her cheeks color slightly, that shy smile returning.
“Of course,” she says. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I wait until she disappears inside, the door closing behind her.
And for a long moment, I stand there, staring at it, feeling like she walked away carrying my entire heart with her.
Chapter 36
Iwake up before the alarm goes off, my eyes opening slowly to the quiet light filtering through the windows. For a moment, I lie there staring at the ceiling, warm and content in a way that feels unfamiliar but very welcome.
Images from last night replay in my head.
Aiden’s eyes looking down at me right before our lips met, and the warmth of his body against mine.
