“So… you wanted a mate? You were waiting for me, too?”
I nod. “You can ask Harvey when we find him. I was the girl swinging around Papa’s scythe that was twice my size to scare off boys because they weren’t my mate.”
“Keep talking like that, and I’ll marry you right here.”
I snort. Before Angel can say he’s joking, heavy rain slams against the roof of the car, and I’m instantly captivated by its ferocity.
It’s the first time I’ve seen rain in a decade. Every time I saw it on a screen this past month, I ached to feel it on my skin.
Thinking about rain and movies, a sudden idea strikes me.
“Angel, do you know how to slow dance? Like how they do on TV? Holding each other and swaying, and sometimes the guy spins her—”
“I’m aware, sweetheart. I had totake classes when I was younger,” Angel admits rather bashfully. I don’t get why he’s embarrassed.
“That sounds amazing!”
“It was torture, baby. I was constantly teased about it. But no matter what I said, my mother wouldn’t let me quit.”
Who forces their kid to do something they’re not comfortable with? I want to ask more about his blood family, but Angel has been dodging that topic for weeks.
I really,reallywant to dance in the rain just like in the movies. But now I don’t think I should ask him. What if he hates the idea but agrees anyway because it’s something I want? I don’t want to pressure him into doing something he’s not comfortable with.
Angel gently tugs my bottom lip, which I didn’t even realize I was chewing on. “Hey, I’d love to dance with you. What better time to show off my skills.”
I cover his hand with mine and squeeze. “Are you sure?”
Angel leans in, his cheek brushing mine, and pops the door open. “Let’s do this.”
I leap out of my seat with giddy excitement. The moment I step outside, the ferocious rain immediately drenches me, and I love it.
This is the best day ever!
Furious black clouds rumble above, lit with purple lightning. The dim glow from the near-empty store behind us and the headlights on Angel’s car make everything so much more magical.
I’m spinning with my arms outstretched when two strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me into a wet chest. I turn and see him, my breathtaking Angel, his carefree smile making him look younger, freer, and wilder.
The car’s golden light bathes half his face, casting an almost angelic glow on him. I’m awestruck as I follow the patch of raindrops slipping down his jaw.
“Lean on me, sweetheart.” Angel turns me, guiding my arms around his neck, and starts humming, swaying us to therhythm in practiced sync.
He takes a step back, raises our joined hands above my head, and spins me in a slow circle until I’m dizzy and giggling like a child before pulling me into his chest.
His fingers softly trail up my arms, skim the curve of my neck, before cupping my cheeks. Angel tilts my face closer to his, our noses brushing, lips just a breath apart. My breath catches as I cling tighter to him.
“I really want to kiss you, sweetheart. May I?” he whispers against my lips, and if I wasn’t already melting, I sure am now.
With his chest flush against mine, his thumb wipes the water droplets on my lower lip. His gentle touch is too much and still not nearly enough.
“Please do.”
People talk about fireworks and sparks when you’re with the right person, but when Angel’s soft lips meet mine, all I feel iscalm.The kind of peace I’ve craved my whole life.
Standing in the rain, soaked to the bone with thunder booming above us, all I care about is Angel’s hands on my body and his soft lips moving against mine.
Every prayer I whispered, begging the Fates for mercy, was answered the moment they gave me Angel.My peace.
I rise on my toes as he cups my face and deepens the kiss. Curling my fingers in his wet hair, I gasp when Angel unexpectedly nips my lower lip.
