Page 69 of The Longest Wait

“My behavior—I’m mortified I treated you that way after weslept together for the first time. It is no excuse, but I was ashamedI didn’t know you were a virgin. I was upset with myself that Iallowed your first time to be rushed and without any finesse. Afterfour years of being around you, when you gave me the greenlight, Ihad to have you. I didn’t think to be soft and gentle. I had no ideayou waited for me. And I would like to think that if I did know,I would’ve made it special. I would’ve made your first time be theway you deserved.”

He reached for her hand and she gave it to him. He swipedhis thumb against hers, and it soothed her. The reassurance wasneeded as they were having the much-needed discussion she hadpreviously avoided.

Sofia saw the remorse in his eyes. It was time for her to admitsome things too. “Looking back, there were a lot of things I wishI did differently. When you started dating that girl, it like a knifein my back.”

“I honestly didn’t think you cared. I was blown away that you,this girl I fantasized about, waited for me. Then, when you saidhaving sex with me didn’t matter, you just wanted to get it overwith, that hurt me too. I dated someone else because I thought Iwould spend the rest of the summer chasing after you.”

“Ugh, I totally get that Cher song, ‘If I Could Turn Back Time.’”

Alex grimaced. “I’m ignoring your shitty music taste.” She gavehim the middle finger. “Because I have more apologizing. I nevershould’ve asked you to talk about the past at Lucy’s wedding. I don’tregret wanting to talk to you, but it wasn’t the time or the place.”

Sofia huffed. “If we’re being open about apologies, I’m sorry Ithrew a drink on you.”

He understood and kept caressing her hand. “I regret notgiving you the time to regain your trust with me. I did badger youabout it, but know it wasn’t to piss you off. It was, and is I hope,because I’m proud to be with you. I don’t want us to be a secret.”

“I have been thinking about this since you have been gone. Ipromise to work on telling you when something is wrong, but itmight not always happen. Be patient with me.”

“Always, Sofia, but it goes both ways.”

They moved closer to each other on the couch. “I have my lastpostcard for you.”

She glowed. “Oh yeah? Where is it? I swear, it was likebeing courted from across the world. Who knew you were sucha romantic?”

His lips were a breath away from hers. “You were being courted.And, the real question is, who knew you were such a romantic?”

Their lips joined and the spark between was instant. His tongueslipped into her mouth, touching her gently. She shifted so she saton his lap, her arms going around him to get him closer.

“Not to sound needy, but where is my last postcard?” Sofiapulled away with a smile.

“You’ll get it later. Let’s go out tonight. Can I take you dinner?”he practically begged.

She shook her head no. “Tonight, one of Lucy’s clients ishaving a costume party to unveil their new product. She will notbe pleased if I’m not there.”

“I forgot.” He agreed they couldn’t pass it up. “Let’s go together.”

She had a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Under one condition.”

HE VIVIDLY REMEMBERED telling Lucy he would never weara couple’s costume, but there he was, dressed up as Super Man.There was no way he was telling Sofia no, especially after everything. Besides, he grinned, their make-up sex was so intense, thebed broke. Ego or not, he felt pretty badass they fucked so hard, anew bed was needed.

They walked up the steps to the museum when Sofia said without turning around, “I can feel you smirking back there. I’m notsure if it is because of the bed or because of your last postcard.”

“Honest, a little of both.”

She turned and gave him a sweet kiss. “I figured.”The party was in full swing. Hand in hand, they walked to

the bar, figuring they would find their friends there. And theywere right.

“Another one bites the dust.” Dominic smiled.

Jack tapped his beer with the one Alex was just handed.

“Do I want to know the details?” Lucy asked.

Dominic glanced at Tess. “This whole sibling thing is annoying. When you find the one, can you make sure his brother or sisterisn’t part of our friend group?”

Everyone laughed and Tess made her promise, somethingbreezy about how Douglas didn’t know any of them and was anonly child.

“What’s next?” Lucy had a lot of questions.