My jaw clenches. Irving’s read on the situation is insanely accurate considering he has no idea what happened fifteen years ago. “I’ve never wanted to corner her.”
“You wouldn’t be cornering her.” He straightens. “You’d bechoosingher.”
I inhale slowly. “She doesn’t want more.”
“Zachary.” He arches a brow. “I’ve got to call this once and for all because she’s important to me too. Sky hides behind friendship for safety and you give her ambiguity.”
I close my eyes for a second.
“Look. Deny it all you want but know, I’m glad you’re finally making a move on our girl.” Irving crosses his arms. “I will warn you, don’t get her hopes up if you’re not gonna follow through.”
A faint smile pulls at my mouth. “You have no faith.”
“Since when am I religious?” he counters. “Look. Don’t let her think she’s optional.”
I can’t help but blurt, “She’s not.”
“Thensayit toher.” He throws up his hands in exasperation.
“Fine,” I shout. “I’m done pretending.”
Irving nods once. “Good. Because I’m tired of watching you two circle.”
“This could ruin everything. She could walk away,” I admit my worst fear out loud.
“Yeah,” he agrees. “Or she could finally hear what she’s been waiting for.”
“She’smine,” I say with certainty.
Irving smiles, slow and satisfied. “Good. Make sure she knows it.”
We hang up, and the cabin falls quiet except for the steady hum of the engine. The clouds racing by my window blur intoabstraction. With nothing solid enough to anchor to, I let the phone rest in my hand for a moment longer before setting it aside.
Irving’s words of advice don’t fade. They settle.
It’s long past time to stake my claim. I’ve spent years convincing myself patience was noble. Restraint was respect. Giving her space was proof of understanding.
No more.
Straightening in the seat, I close my eyes for a beat to visualize Sky walking toward me on the tarmac. The wind tugs at her coat. The purple streak catches light in contrast to the gray sky. She pretends she’s composed while the pulse in her forehead betrays her.
Yeah. Iknowher.
I can’t wait for a safer moment.
It’s time to go all-in.
Next week, by the time the wheels of my jet touch down in Prague, she won’t be able to pretend she isn’t mine.
Ever again.
