Page 48 of Kiss Me Forever

“The problem is I don’t know. And I don’t know what to do if wanting you is going to hurt your relationship with Bella. Already, I’m relying on you too fucking much.”

“I’ll always be there for her. No matter what.”

“And the sad thing is I believe you, Brooklyn. Even if I break you, even if I leave you shattered in the tub like you were tonight, I know you’ll be there for her. And that’s what makes me a selfish asshole.”

I leaned forward, reaching out, but he took a step back, leaving ice between us.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“There isn’t anything to say. So how about this, I’m going to go, and I’ll see you at work.”

“So this was a one-off thing? We’re going to go back to normal?”

“There’s never been normal between us, Brooklyn, and that’s a problem. But I have to think of Bella. And I can’t be selfish.”

“Being with me would be selfish?”

“Wanting you the way that I do is selfish. I’m an old man, Brooklyn.”

“You’re forty-one, Reece. You’re not ancient.”

“Well, I feel like an old man. And I don’t see nights of random nameless women in my future. I don’t know what that future is, but before Bella, I thought—” He shook his head, not finishing his sentence, and it was as if a cavern opened up between us.

I was terrified that I was the one in his thoughts in that moment. The one that he wanted when he thought he was ready.

“You should go then.”

“If I go now though, it won’t be forever. We both know it can’t be.”

“Make up your mind, Reece. Do you want me?”

“Of course I do. I wouldn’t have fucked you and threatened to ruin everything that we already have if I didn’t. I just don’t know if I can promise you everything you deserve.”

I froze, knowing that was the best thing, the most sincere thing he could have said.

“Okay. Okay. Then go, and we don’t have to talk about forever in this moment. As long as Bella is number one, I won’t hate you in the morning.” I tried to smile as I said it. He moved forward and brushed his lips against mine. My knees almost went weak, and I hated myself for it.

“I don’t want this to be a mistake,” he whispered against my lips.

“Then we don’t make it one. We can be adults about this.”

“I’m a jealous man, Brooklyn.”

“And?”

“I can’t picture you with anyone else.”

“Do you really think I would sleep with anyone else? It took every ounce of my soul in order to give myself to you, Reece Fox.”

“You have no idea what that does to me.”

“Then I better be the only one in your bed. If we ever get there.”

“Damn straight.” He kissed me again, then took a step back.

“I’m going to go, before making another mistake.”

“Another?” I asked, my voice hollow.