Page 33

Inhaling a deep breath, I walk down the hallway toward the front door. I peek through the peephole and see West filling the hallway with his large frame. He shuffles from his left foot to his right foot like he’s nervous. Glad I’m not the only one.

I open the door. Once he sees me, his shoulders visibly relax and he smiles. “Hey, Mel.” He pulls me into a hug, enveloping me in his warmth, and my nerves are forgotten.

He pulls away just enough to kiss me on the cheek, and the feel of his soft lips makes me feel warm and tingly all over. Which is more of a response than I ever had with my ex, Jeff.

“I’m glad you’re back. Come on in.”

He steps inside and I close the door behind us. West closes his eyes and inhales. “It smells like you in here. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this, but I love the scent of your shampoo.”

I smile and try not to blush. Unsuccessfully. “Thank you. It’s organic and infused with essential oils.”

“I’ll have to get some.” He smirks. “This is a great apartment, and the neighborhood looks safe.”

“Don’t worry, your Mercedes still has all of its tires.”

He takes a step toward me. “I only care about your safety. The car doesn’t matter.”

“Did you mean everything you said the other night?” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

“I meant every word. I love you, Mel,” he says, his expression serious. “I have something for you.” He reaches back and takes a small leather notebook out of his back pocket.

“I’ve been writing you letters every day in this journal.” He hands it to me.

It’s a lovely leather journal with an intricate floral design, and my name is engraved on the corner. “Wow, thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“Every time I have to leave for away games, I’ll take it with me and write to you. When I get back, I’ll give it to you to read.”

My vision becomes blurry with unshed tears. I blink rapidly, trying to urge the tears away.

West places a hand under my chin and nudges my face up to look at him. “I have five years to make up for.”

I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tightly. West’s arms wrap around my waist and we stand there embracing each other in my tiny living room for several minutes. Wow, it feels good to be held by him. Better than eighteen-year-old Melanie ever could’ve imagined.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you,” he whispers into my neck.

I pull back slightly so I can see his face. “I forgive you.” I pause, biting my bottom lip. “And I’d like to give this a try, West. Give us a try. It won’t be easy, but I think it could be worth it.”

He closes his eyes and presses his forehead against mine. “I’m so relieved to hear you say that.”

I look into his eyes and am overcome with emotion. I’ve dreamt of this moment for so long, and never thought it would happen, never thought we’d actually be together. But here we are. I stand on my toes and place a kiss on his lips. Before I can pull away, West tightens his grip on my waist and pulls me into him. His lips are soft and warm, and he smells like pine needles and leather. His short beard prickles the soft skin on my cheeks. All of my senses are alive and humming.

I sigh in contentment then feel West tilt his head for a better angle and I thread my fingers through the hair at his nape. It’s thick and soft, just like I always dreamed it would be.

Too soon, West pulls away slowly but keeps his arms around my waist. “Wow,” he says with a grin.

“Wow.” I echo.

“So, are we dating now?” he asks.

I giggle. “Um yeah, I hope so. I don’t often kiss men that I’m not dating.”

“Okay, whew.”

A thought pops into my head and my eyes widen. “Oh my gosh, what are we going to tell Harrison?”

West bites his lip. “Well, he kind of already knows.”

“What? How?” I ask, my fists going to my hips.