Page 168 of A Sky Full Of Stars

I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that it’s a rocky road, but that boy—your brother’s teammate and best friend—will one day be your future. He’s the light at the end of the tunnel; you just have to dig through the dirt to get there.

“I love you too, Thomas. And no matter where life takes us, I want it to be with you. I want to help.”

“Fuck, Lainey.” With effortless movements, he lifts me into his arms and spins me around, lowering me onto the couch, smothering me in a tight embrace. “I’ve been waiting years for this moment,” he says, pressing his lips to mine before settling his head over my heart.

He starts singing “This Year’s Love,” by David Gray, but of course, he messes up the first line, singing “at last” instead of the actual words. Either way, it’s fitting, and I truly believe this is it for us.

“How’d I do?” he asks when he’s done, raising his eyebrows in anticipation.

“Nailed it,” I lie until I remember we promised each other we wouldn’t lie anymore. “Actually, you were wrong. Again. But I loved it anyway.”

“Damn it. What did I mess up? I was sure…” he trails off when his eyes lock with mine, a genuine smile crossing his face. “I love you, Lainey Bennett. Now come here. It’s time we consummated this relationship, and after that, I want your help. I want to talk to someone about depression, and I’d love for you to be there with me.”

“Every step of the way,” I say honestly, smiling back at him with what I’m sure is the same awe. “But I’m not sure the consummation works that way,” I sass until he jumps to his feet, immediately lifting me up and throwing me over his shoulder, carrying me into the bedroom as I laugh uncontrollably.

“We make our own rules. It’s you and me against the world. And our time starts now.”

Iwake to the feel of Thomas’s fingers brushing over my skin, the gentle rhythm making me shiver. When I moan, he presses his lips to my shoulder, his short hair tickling my cheek.

“Good morning, Beautiful,” he whispers, his husky voice making me smile.

“It’s a great morning,” I rasp. “I could definitely get used to waking up like this.”

“I plan to.” Thomas states plainly, his confidence making me laugh, though he won’t see me complaining. Rolling over in his arms, I curl one arm around his waist, tucking myself into his side.

“Do you have plans today?” I ask, my fingers tracing the lines of his abs. “I’m looking after Josh, starting at eleven again, but I’ve got nothing on before that.” I’d love to be able to spend the morning in bed, wrapped in his arms, breathing him in.

“I have no plans at all, and I’m yours all morning. I’m up for anything as long as I get to see that smile.” He bites his lip as he smirks, and I’m sure he’s thinking something sexual, but I have other ideas.

“Anything?” I ask with a sassy grin of my own. It’s time we focused more on being happy; we’ve had enoughheavyfor the past twenty-four hours.

“Within reason.” Thomas winces, obviously understanding me, and I burst out laughing.

“How about a matching tattoo?”

“Done.”

“And maybe more dancing in the rain.”

“Too easy. I’d love that.”

“Pink hair?”

“Come on, I have to draw the line somewhere.”

I laugh as he flips me onto my back, running his fingers through my pink strands. “Though I do love yours. Have you ever thought about turquoise?”

“Turquoise?” I giggle. “To match your team colors?”

“Yep, it would go perfectly with my jersey when you watch the games with my name across your back.”

“Possessive much?” I joke, faking an eye roll.

“When it comes to you I am.”

A buzz runs through me, but I keep things casual, shaking my head. “You know I could dye my hair black again,” I say with a smirk. “That’s one of your colors too.”

“But not nearly as much fun.” Thomas laughs before smothering me in a bruising kiss, filling mewith so much emotion, I melt into him. If you asked me when I was fifteen if I’d one day be wearing Thomas’s jersey, I would have said yes, but I would have been hiding it under the one for my brother. Now I get to wear it proudly, as his girl, and I’ve never been happier.

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