Page 76 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

“ I-”

The doorbell rang.

“Mom, I need to go get the door.”

“Sure.”

“It must be the delivery guy,” I shuffled across the room, towards the door. “He’s a little early, though,” I confirmed, glancing at my wristwatch.

“Th-” I opened the door.

Clara?

I was shocked to see her. I had not seen nor spoken to her for about a week now. It felt weird, but I was happy to see her.

Her face shone brightly over the background of the starless sky.

“Can I come in?” She cleared her throat.

I nodded and opened the door wider. Her perfume tingled my senses as she passed by me. When she was in, I told my Mom I would speak to her later and ended the call.

“This is for you. It’s chicken pot pie.” She said with outstretched arms.

“Thank you.” I collected the carefully wrapped food package and placed it on the console. She seemed to have gone out of her way to bake.

“Um,” she was fidgeting on the spot.

I was confused as to why she was here, yet I was happy.

Then suddenly, she shut her eyes and breathed out heavily.

“I’m sorry, Jacob.”

“You don’t have to be,” I corrected. I was in no mood for apologies or regrets.

“I was so blinded by the past to see who we truly have become, independently.” She continued, nevertheless. “I admit I was carried away by the ugly memories I have held onto until now, I, I, was wrong...”

“Clara.”

“Please, listen to me, Jacob.” She cried.

“I’m sorry for not allowing you to prove your worth to me. I’m sorry for pushing you away. I’m so sorry for letting you down.” she said in one breath.

“You never let me down, Clara.”

“No, no. I have,” she disagreed. “ I have continuously let you down. I have deprived myself of permitting you to love me like you want to.”

At that moment, I thought I might just have misheard.

“I need you to know how lonely I was without you. I need you to know how much I miss your endearments, caresses, and kisses.” She moved closer, breathing heavily.

By then, my heart was beating like crazy, and I could hardly control myself. We were standing so close together, and our eyes were locked in one gaze.

“I miss your touch on my skin. I can’t deny the shivers I get when you touch me. I miss how happy I used to be with you. I miss the connection. I realize how much you mean to me, despite everything. I forgive you, Jacob. I truly do.”

I knew I was rough, but I crashed my lips against hers. The previous kiss had been fleeting, but I wanted this to last forever. The longing was there, at play. I desperately wanted her. I had waited for so long, and it was finally here.

“Yay!” Daisy’s jubilant voice broke our contact.

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