Page 136 of Fighting Fate

But instead of engaging, he gives another nonchalant shrug. "You'll freeze in that outfit," he says, his tone serious but his eyes betraying a deeper intensity.

Closing the distance, I question, "What's wrong with my outfit?" I glance at my ensemble: a brown leather skirt, a white bodysuit, topped off with Converse—a chic tutor look, only missing my reading glasses and a hair bun.

He appears conflicted as I lessen the distance between us, his hands repeatedly diving in and out of his pockets, his foot rhythmically tapping on the snow-dusted ground.

"Your outfit's fine, Mills," he says tightly, a hint of strain in his voice. My provocations are reaching him, gently nudging him to break through this overwhelming tension that envelops us.

Milli, hold your ground. You're owed an apology, and so much more.

I'm acutely aware of this, and it's the reason I halt my advance. Despite our complicated relationship, Miles' gaze holds a rare intensity, a depth I've seldom witnessed.

Feeling empowered by his look, I close the final gap, bringing us mere inches apart. Our breaths mingle, our hearts seemingly beating as one.

I meet Miles' gaze just as he asks, "Is this a test, Mills?" His question cuts through my thoughts. His arms wrap firmly around my waist, a grip I could escape from but choose not to. I can't deny it; the closeness feels right, feels needed.

Feels like home.

With his arms securely around me, every inch of me recognizes this is where I'm meant to be.

His gaze drifts momentarily over my shoulder, then descends to the curve of my neck, drawing in a deep breath. I shut my eyes briefly, bracing myself. But soon, I find there's no need for defenses; his embrace shifts, his hands moving to my upper back, transforming his hold into one of comfort and safety. His touch, both strong and gentle, encircles me like a protective cocoon.

And god, it feels amazing.

Being in his arms once more, feeling the closeness of his presence, simply existing together in this moment—it's all I could ask for. The emotional toll of the recent weeks hits me with full force—my heart pounds, my palms sweat, and tears I've valiantly held back now threaten to spill.

My emotions cascade when he softly says, "I missed you, Milli Girl." His voice, tinged with pain, tugs at my heartstrings.

Miles tightens his hold, and my emotions spill over. "I—I missed you too," I manage to say, my voice faltering as I bury my face in his neck, holding onto him like he's my lifeline, terrified of losing this connection again.

Stay strong, Milli. You can do this.

It's not easy, maintaining composure while longing for an apology from someone who means so much. The challenge of hearing about him through others, the regret of not being there when he needed me most. But now, those concerns fade, overshadowed by the raw, undeniable truth of our rekindled connection and mutual longing.

Gradually, I steady my emotions. Miles' gentle circles on my back easing my turmoil. Raising my head, I meet his gaze, my eyes still shimmering with tears. What do we say now? How do we move forward? Have we ever really stopped being friends?

Reading my confusion, Miles' hand cradles my neck and jaw tenderly, his thumb tracing calming patterns. I instinctively lean into his touch, finding a momentary peace.

"Hi, Mills," he whispers, the simple words laden with unspoken emotions.

I let out a small, tearful laugh. "Hi, Miles," I reply, a sense of relief washing over me.

His smile, warm and inviting, sweeps over me, and a blush rises in my cheeks, intensified by the chilly air and this electrifying moment. His gaze drifts to my lips, and the urge to pull him into a kiss is almost unbearable. It's as if he's in tune with my thoughts, but then again, he's always had an uncanny ability to read me.

He brushes a stray lock of hair from my forehead, tucking it behind my ear. His hand then curls around my neck again, drawing him closer to me. I can feel the warmth of his breath tantalizingly close to my lips. My eyes flutter shut as he whispers, "Can I kiss you, Milli Girl?"

I reopen my eyes, finding his alight with a softness that stirs my soul deeply. For a moment, we're lost in each other's gaze, the world around us fading away. Finally, succumbing to the moment, I reply playfully, "Is it going to be worth it?"

He shakes his head, that familiar, charming smirk on his lips. My heart flutters, my knees feel weak. And before I have a chance to react further, he bridges the gap between us.

Our kiss is intense and soul-stirring—our lips moving in harmony, our breaths intermingling, the familiar dance of long-suppressed desire. It's more than just a physical connection; it's an outpouring of everything we've left unsaid, a culmination of our pent-up emotions and the deep connection we've always shared.

The sensation is breathtaking—his lips pressed to mine, the intertwining of our tongues, the harmonious sounds of our mutual pleasure, his hands exploring my body with a familiarity that stirs deep within me. Yet, amidst this intense connection, I find myself pausing. As much as I long for this, for him, and yearn to return to what we once had, I can't dismiss the thoughts racing through my mind. He was the one who distanced himself. I'm determined not to fall back into old patterns; he needs to show that he's fighting for this, for us.

It's about learning to flow with fate rather than against it.

Life often sees us exerting immense effort to control our destinies, as though sheer will can alter the course that fate has seemingly set. We resist, we struggle, and we strive against life's flow, convinced that our determination can change our predestined paths. Yet, in this relentless struggle, we sometimes miss the beauty that emerges when we let go, when we surrender to life's natural rhythm.

When we finally release our tight hold on life and allow things to unfold, that's when the magic truly happens. We begin to see how effortlessly the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, guiding us on a path that feels just right, leading us to unexpected joys and moments of bliss.

---