“You don’t—” I sputter, squeezing my fists. “You don’t look ridiculous.”
Her expression goes stony again. “What are you doing here? Could you really not go somewhere else for your little date?”
My heart lurches. “My what?”
Eyes shut, she shakes her head. “This is the first date I’ve ever beenon.First.Do you get that? Do you understand how hard it is for me that you’re here? Whyhere?” Her voice warbles, but she pulls her shoulders back and goes on. “Did you ask the girls where I’d be so you could show up for dinner at the same place and really rub it in? Why are you doing this to me?”
I blink. First date? And what the hell is she talking about me being on a date?
A woman appears, neck craning so she can look around us. “’Scuse me, is there a line?”
I grasp Adeline’s arm and pull her down the hall. When I come to a door with no sign on it, I wiggle the knob, and when it opens to a small closet, I pull her inside.
“What are you doing?” she hisses, tugging against my hold.
I turn, putting one hand on her hip, and glower at the infuriating woman I adore. “I’m making a few things very clear, because last time we tried this, I didn’t.”
Her brows furrow.
“I’m not here on a date. I came with our dads and your uncles to make sure you’re okay.”
Her jaw drops. “What? Why?”
“Because your first date shouldn’t be with that guy. It should be with me.”
Eyes turning glassy, she tips her chin up, her lips a breath from mime. “You hadallof my firsts. Every one of them.While I don’t even get seconds when it comes to you.”
I angle in, my nose brushing hers, and clutch her other hip, tugging her against me. “I’ll give you every second I have. Every minute will be yours, Adeline.”
Pulling back, she searches my face, a confused frown marring hers. “Whyare you doing thisnow?” Her voice cracks, and my heart does too.
Like last time, I give her all my truths. Only this time, I won’t blow it the way I did back then. “Because I haven’t gone a day without thinking about you. I’m crazy jealous of that Scott guy. And if I don’t find out what your lips feel like right the fuck now, I’m going to lose my goddamn mind.”
She sucks in a surprised breath. Unlike four years ago, I don’t hesitate after that declaration. I press my mouth to hers, telling her with a brush of my lips that she’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted to date. That she’s the girl of my dreams. That I’d risk everything for her. That dating isn’t worth it if it’s not the two of us.
A soft whimper escapes her, spurring me on. I slide my tongue against her lips, holding her tighter, so damn relieved that she doesn’t push me away.
Until she does.
She shoves me.
Hard.
“No.”
Panting, eyes heavy, I beg. “Please, Adeline.”
“No.” She shakes her head and holds up a hand. “I can’t do this.”
“Yes you can.” Refusing to give up, I step into her space, and when she keeps her focus averted, I press my hand to her cheek and guide her face until we’re eye to eye. “You and I both know this is inevitable.We’re inevitable.Stop fighting me and help me figure out a way to make this work. To make us work.”
Her face sags with exhaustion. “I hate you.”
I press a kiss to the side of her mouth. “Lie. Now tell me a truth.”
“I hate how much I want you.”
Smiling, I stroke her cheek. “Better, but still a lie. You love this as much as I do.”
