Chapter sixteen
Later That Evening
Skyisbreathtaking.
The sharp edge of hurt has softened, leaving something open and uncertain behind it.
Vulnerability. Hope. The same mix I emotions I’m wrestling with.
I move closer. “Sky.”
Her eyes lift to mine.
The kiss begins slowly, almost cautious at first. Not the frantic heat from the past couple days. Something deeper, steadier. My mouth brushes hers once, then again, until she angles into it and tension melts into warmth.
Her hands slide up my arms as she kisses me back. The familiarity of it sends a quiet pulse of relief through me.
I pull back just enough to see her face again. “I meant what I said about loving you.”
For a second she studies me as if weighing the words and testing whether she believes them. After all, we spent years feigning none of this existed.
“I love you too.”
Her words settle between us like something long overdue finally finding its place. For a moment neither of us moves. I watch her face soften after saying it, the tension in her shoulders easing as if the truth itself carries weight she’s been holding for years.
My hand finds hers. Her fingers slip easily into mine, warm and familiar, and I lift them to my lips for a brief kiss before standing.
“Come here,” I whisper.
She lets me lead her the few steps to the velvet couch near the window. The fabric is deep green and catches the candlelight as she sits, the glow tracing the curve of her hair and the gentle rise and fall of her breathing.
Instead of sitting beside her, I lower myself slowly to my knees in front of her.
The movement surprises her. “Zach—”
“Let me.” I scan her face for approval.
From here I can see every flicker of emotion crossing her face. The softness in her eyes. The way her fingers coil against the cushion beside her.
“I spent fifteen years pretending I could live without this,” my hands settle lightly at her waist, “without you.”
Her breath trembles and she looks down at our hands for a moment, gathering herself.
“I should have asked you about Lila, instead of letting my mind run wild.” Her thumb traces slowly along my knuckles before she lifts her eyes again. “I don’t want to fall into the patterns my parents had. Assuming the worst. Letting silence grow into something ugly.”
My fingers close more firmly around hers. “You won’t. Not with me. You can trust this.”
“You don’t have to prove anything.” She studies my face as if searching for any hesitation.
“We’ve known each other too long to start doubting now.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles one by one. “Yes, everything changed between us in the past few days, but our foundation didn’t disappear. If anything, it’s stronger. We know each other better than anyone.”
Her gaze softens.
“We can trust each other.” I nudge forward just enough to slowly sweep my lips along hers.
Her laugh is soft and shaky. When I pull back, my hands slide gently along her sides, holding her there. This moment deserves patience.
I’m in no hurry at all.
