Her hands are in my hair. Mine slide to her waist, pulling her into me. She makes a sound against my mouth that destroys me.
I’ve imagined this way too many times, but nothing compares to the reality of Sadie in my arms, kissing me like she’s been wanting this too. I move her backward. We hit the wall. She gasps, and I swallow the sound, kissing her deeper, harder.
Her fingers find the hem of my shirt. Tug it up.
I break the kiss long enough to pull it over my head, and then her hands are on my chest, my shoulders, exploring like she owns me.
She does.
I kiss her jaw. Her neck. That spot below her ear that makes her breath pick up.
“Mateo—“ My name breathless on her lips is the best sound I’ve ever heard. Her hands slide to the waistband of my sweatpants.
“Wait.” The word comes out rough. Wrecked. Desire fighting logic. “Sadie, wait.”
“What?” she asks. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Absolutely not.” I cup her face, trying to catch my breath. “Everything’s exactly how it should be.”Fuck me. “But not like this.”
“Like what?”
“Not when you’re running from something.” I press my lips to hers again. “When we do this, I want you present, not trying to forget what happened tonight.”
“What if I’m ready?”
Holy hell, I want to believe her.
But I see it in her eyes. The fear. The desperation to feel something other than the hurt and anger.
“You’re not,” I say gently. “Not yet. But you will be.”
“Mateo—“
“I’ve waited five years,tesoro. I can wait a little longer.“ I kiss her softly. “Come on. Let’s get some sleep.”
“I don’t want to be alone.”
“Then you won’t be.” I take her hand.
I lead her down the hall to my room. She climbs into my bed, and I slide in beside her. She rolls over, tucking herself against my side. I wrap my arm around her, and she rests her head on my chest. We just lie there in the dark.
I press a kiss to her hair. “Get some sleep.”
Her breathing evens out slowly. Within minutes, she’s asleep. I lie awake, holding her, replaying what happened in the kitchen.
The words were right there.I love you. I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for five years.
I close my eyes and let myself have this—Sadie in my arms, her heartbeat steady against mine.
Five years, and she’s finally here.
CHAPTER 12
Crust & Crumble smells like cinnamon and fresh-baked bread, and I’m beyond grateful for it. Anything to ground me after the last twelve hours.
Jess and Macy are already at the corner table when I walk in, both of them watching me like I’m a bomb that might go off.
“Don’t,” I say, sliding into the chair across from Macy.
