Page 28 of Westward

I nodded, then leaned forward, knowing it was a mistake. But it was mine to make. I brushed my lips along hers, grateful for the shadowy area he as parked in. Nobody could see us here, so there would be no whispers, no gossip.

I had done enough to Lizzie as it was. I waited for her to part her lips, to say it was okay, and when she did, I slid my tongue along hers.

“Is this okay?” I whispered against her mouth.

“It’s okay.”

I took her consent and kissed her harder, my hands squeezing her thighs. I wanted to part them, settle myself between them, and take her, but not here. Not now.

“Atlas.”

I moved back before moving my hand, cupping her face.

“I might not know what I’m doing, Lizzie, but I want you.”

I always have.

“We’ve been so good about not doing this.”

“Are you with someone?” I asked, jealousy once again knocking against my ribs.

“No. I wouldn’t have let you kiss me if I were.”

“I’m not with anyone.” The look of confusion on her face angered me, but it wasn’t her fault. The news lied.

“I’m not with anyone. I haven’t been in a while. I’m not who the news says I am.”

“I know that much. You’re good about keeping yourself private.”

“Not always, but I try.”

“You’re going back to Portland soon. For the season. For training. And I—” She shook her head, her voice thick. “I can’t be the girl you leave behind again.”

I ran my thumb over her lip. “You won’t be. You’re Lizzie.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“Then let me show you. Please?”

She opened her mouth to say something, but when a car honked in the distance, she pulled away, and I cursed under my breath.

“Let me get you home.”

“Thank you. I just, it’s been a long few weeks, Atlas. And I don’t know what I’m thinking.”

I caressed her thighs gently and nodded. “Understood.”

Then I closed the door and walked to the driver’s side, knowing that I didn’t understand. Then again, I had no idea what I wanted. Other than Lizzie. But I had always wanted her, even when we had just been friends. Even when we’d gone months without speaking.

And that was my problem.

Only now I was making it both of our problems.

Maybe, just maybe, it was about damn time.

Chapter 7

ELIZABETH