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Blinding Lights

Page 99

by Katherine Jay

Beckett thrusts into me a few more times before following me over the edge, burying his face in my neck as he releases a string of quiet curses, making me laugh.

The room around me slowly comes back into view, but as Beckett pushes up from me, I’m once again struck still by his presence. “All in,” I whisper, palming his cheek and running my thumb over his lips.

“All in,” he repeats, then slams his lips to mine, sealing the words with a kiss.

We stay connected, pouring everything we have into the moment until we’re completely breathless and Beckett’s forced to move back. He pulls out of me, dropping to the bed with a thud as a content sigh escapes him.

With a smile, he opens his arms and I curl into his side, running my fingers over his chest as he plays with my hair, our breathing in sync, the importance of our night settling over us.

I’ve just closed my eyes when I feel Beckett’s lips brushing against my head and he whispers softly.

“Whatever it takes, I’m going to make this work. Thank you for seeing me, Lily. It’s you, me, and Ava from here on out.”

Epilogue One

LILY

My knee bounces in time with the jolt of our flight touching down on the runway. It feels like hours pass as we taxi to our private hangar, and I can’t take my eyes off the window. It’s almost time. In a few minutes I’ll be back with my man again.

I’m not going to pretend the last month has been a dream now that Beckett and I are together, because it hasn’t been easy. There has, however, been a new sense of calm in my life. Something I imagine only comes with knowing you’ve found your person.

Because I have.

Beckett not only sees me better than I’ve ever seen myself, he also feels like home. And that’s something I wasn’t sure I’d ever experience.

When the captain gives permission to open the doors, Ava’s out of her seat faster than I am, forcing me to grab her hand before she pushes past the flight attendant and runs down the stairs.

“Slow down, please,” I beg her, though I’m not exactly being fair. I’m just as anxious to reach that hangar as she is.

Warmth blossoms in my chest every time Ava talks about Beckett. It’s obvious she loves him as much as I do, and I never imagined that to be possible. She has a dad that she loves with all her heart, and yet, she’s opened her heart wider, welcoming Beckett in.

We exit the plane hand in hand, and the butterflies in my stomach flutter beyond control. It’s been five weeks since I was last able to touch Beckett, and I have to admit, I’m both nervous and excited about it.

When my feet hit the ground, Ava pulls away from me, and I glance back to find Henley clasping her hand, freeing me from her hold. Hen’s gaze locks on mine before she rolls her eyes and smirks, nodding her head toward something behind me. Or someone. Beckett.

I spin to catch him jogging toward us, and I can’t stop myself from taking off in a run, propelling myself into his arms as soon as I reach him. He stiffens but catches me easily, securing his strong arms around my waist, the heat of his touch making me giddy.

A relieved sigh escapes me and Beckett pulls back, studying my face, brushing his thumb lightly down my cheek. “You’re here.” His eyes lock on mine, awe obvious in his expression.

“I’m here.”

“Fuck, I missed you,” he whispers softly, then buries his face in my hair, rocking me back and forth before leaning back to stare at me again. “Thank God, it’s almost offseason.” Without letting me respond, he claims my mouth in a bruising kiss, his lips sending a delicious tingling throughout my entire body.

I’m consumed by his caress until an arm wraps around my legs and I stiffen.

Ava. Shit. So much for protecting her from public displays of affection.

I reluctantly step out of Beckett’s arms as his lips curve into a smile and he swoops Ava into his hold, settling her on his hip as she wraps her arms around his neck. “Are you going to win tomorrow, Mr. Beckett?” she asks, making me laugh at her attempt to hide just how excited she is to see him.

Henley and Trudy join us, and my cheeks heat at what they’ve just witnessed. Not that Trudy minds. In fact, her giddy expression suggests she’s beyond happy for our little reunion.

Beckett assures Ava that he plans to put on a good show, and after he says hello to his mom and sister, we head off to collect our bags.

Trudy, Henley, and Ava walk ahead and I relish in Beckett’s and my moment alone, taking pleasure in the simple things—like getting to hold his hand.

While we talk daily, it’s not the same as having him with me, and I want to savor every minute I can.

“How was your flight?” he asks nonchalantly, squeezing my fingers while an incredulous laugh bursts out of me.