Page 155 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“It wasn’t goodbye,” I say honestly, spinning around in his arms. “But we still have a lot to work through before…” His eyes light up as I trail off, and I can’t help but giggle. “You’re really hard to quit too. You know that, right?”

“I do now, and I’m kinda grateful for that.”

He presses his lips to my forehead before brushing featherlight kisses across my face, only stopping when he reaches the corner of my mouth. But when I turn my head to kiss him, he pulls back.

“It’s time to get out. I’m wrinkly as fuck and I’d love to continue this in bed.”

I bite back a laugh and raise an eyebrow. “Do I get a say?” I sass, smiling until Thomas’s smile drops.

“Always,” he says, his expression turning serious. “You will always have a say. I won’t let anyone take your choices away…again.”

My brows furrow until I realize what he’s saying. My parents and my gran pushed me into Jaiton, and the dancers in my class pushed me to my limits. They pushed me into making decisions I’d never usually make. Even Thomas himself pushed me toward leaving when he ended things between us. And despite that being the right thing to do, if given the option, I would have done things differently.

He’s acknowledging his mistake and my parents’ mistake, and he’s showing me a way forward. Showing me that I can continue to blossom with him by my side.

And I truly believe him.

On top of the sincerity in his eyes and the steadiness of his voice, there’s the knowledge that he’s always had my best interests at heart. No matter how messed up our relationship was, or how blind I was, he saw the devastation coming.

And he cut the cord when I couldn’t.

Switching off the shower, I link our fingers and lift his hand to my mouth, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. “The bed sounds perfect,” I say, smiling against his hand. “Lead the way.”

Iwake early the next morning, my body aching but a satisfied smile on my face. Thomas groans beside me, and when I peer over my shoulder, he’s shielding his eyes from the light.

“Why is it morning?” he grumbles, making me laugh. “I could happily stay like this forever.”

“It was morning when we came in here,” I say with a grin. “It’s only different now because the sun’s up.”

“Yeah, well, I wish it would fuck off.”

He squeezes me tighter as I giggle, his arms locked around my middle, and like him, I wish I could stay like this, wrapped up in his arms. Forever. But I jumped into his bed—well, his shower—faster than I would have liked, and we still have things to say. Last night was amazing. He wasn’t wrong when he said he was going to show me how he felt. But I’ve never doubted his feelings. That doesn’t mean getting back together is the right move. Yet.

“Do you think…” I trail off when Thomas moves, shifting his weight until he’s hovering above me, giving me his full attention. I lose my words, my focus gliding to the blue of his eyes. He may have aged nearly ten years since we were first together, but he still has that boyish look about him when he smiles a certain way. A smile I’ve only ever seen him flash my way.

“You’re too good-looking formyown good,” I tell him, because it’s true.

“Foryourown good?” He chuckles, gently brushing his fingers up and down my arm.

“Yes,” I laugh. “We need to have a conversation, but that’s impossible with you looking at me like I’m the only one in your orbit.”

“Lainey.” He sits up, and I lift to balance on my elbow, letting the sheet pool at my waist, my long hair partly covering my breasts. Thomas’s eyes flash to my body before traveling slowly back to my face, his lips curling into a frown. “You’re distracting me, and I’m trying to talk from the heart.”

“I’m sorry.” I bite back a smile. “Go on.” I pull the sheet up to cover my chest and he huffs out a laugh.

“What I was going to say is that, Lainey, youarethe only one in my orbit. No matter how many stars are in the sky, the only one that shines brightly is yours. It’s been like that for a long time. I’m not perfect. Far from it. And I have regrets. Butyouhave never been one of them. I hate that we were apart, but I’m glad I set you free, and I will never regret waiting for you. Even if you decide this is all too much.”

My heart lodges in my throat as tears prick my eyes. “And if I do? If I walk away?”

Thomas stares at me for a beat before a cocky grin crosses his face. “Obviously I’ll just marry the next girl who asks me.” He bounces his eyebrows as my mouth drops open.

“How often do you get asked?”

“At least daily.” He shrugs before I slam him to the bed, trying not to smile when he bursts out laughing.

“This is a serious conversation, Thomas.”

“I know.” His laughter fades. “But I refuse to even contemplate that reality. If you want honesty, I’ll be putting up a damn good fight before I let you go.”

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