Page 123 of The Edge of Never

“Just some stuff about how you stayed with them for almost a year. And that Callan did everything for you.”

I hugged him tighter as he tensed.

“But it’s okay, I’m not judging. I know how hard Jenna’s death was for you.”

“It’s no mah proudest moment.”

“We all go through rough patches. I’m just glad you had someone who never gave up on you.”

Thane let out a breath that disturbed my hair.

“Aye, Callan is a guid friend.”

He let me go only to hold my face in both hands. The soft look in his eyes had me locking my knees together to stop from melting on the spot. He held me there for several minutes. I tried not to fidget, but I couldn’t stop my fingers from rubbing together.

“Am just reminding mahself ye’re real,” he told me with a smile as if he noticed my slight agitation at being stared at for too long.

“I’m not a figment of your imagination.”

“Aye, ye are mine though.”

I nodded and smiled at him. Before I could speak again, Callan and Ruairí returned to the table. Callan looked a little flushed and his husband had a wide smile on his face.

“Ye two done with yer little tiff?” Thane asked.

“Aye,” Ruairí said as he took a seat. “Callan’s forgiven me.”

“Am gonnae take it back if ye tell them how ye made me forgive ye,” Callan said, plopping himself down in the chair next to his husband.

“Wouldnae dream of it.”

Ruairí winked at me again. Thane rolled his eyes and let me go to retrieve the rest of the dishes from the kitchen. I took a seat across from Callan. Thane had set down a glass of water for me. I took a sip while I tried to think of something to say. Thane, thankfully, saved me from having to do anything when he returned and sat down. He put a hand on my knee and gave it a squeeze before telling Callan and Ruairí to help themselves.

Having that casual affection from him made me feel good. Knowing he wasn’t like this before only made it clear Thane had changed since his wife’s death. And that was okay. We all evolved depending on what life threw at us. I was grateful all the same that he chose me to bestow his affection on. I loved that he wanted to be close to me. I wanted that with him too.

Dinner was actually way less terrifying than I thought it would be. I had fun getting to know more about Callan and Ruairí. Since I was going to move here, I would be seeing a lot more of them. At least I’d know three people in town. Made the prospect of leaving my hometown behind a little less scary.

By the time they left, I was ready to be alone with Thane. We had a lot to talk about, and, honestly, I just wanted to be held. So when he took a seat on the sofa, I stood awkwardly staring at his lap.

“Come here,” he murmured, reaching a hand out to me.

I took it and let him pull me down. My knees fell on either side of his thighs as I straddled him. He dug his hands into my hair and pressed his forehead to mine. Then he closed his eyes and sighed.

“I’ve missed ye, Kit.”

“I missed you too.”

“I know ye probably have questions.” He opened his eyes and sat back against the cushions. “Will ye let me talk first?”

I nodded.

“Of course.”

He reached out and took one of my hands, entwining our fingers together. He pulled them towards his face and kissed my fingertips. I shivered at the touch.

“I wasnae okay when ye left. A part of me wanted tae tell ye how I felt, but I wasnae ready for… us. I wanted ye, really fucking wanted ye, but mah head was all tangled up and I needed time. Ye deserved more than I could give ye, Kit. Ye deserve everything.”

He kissed my fingers again. The way he looked at me made my chest tight. The adoration in his green eyes was almost overwhelming, but I tried not to focus on that. His words were more important.

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