Page 156 of The Bridges I've Burned

I ran to him, launching myself into his arms the second he set his guitar on the ground. He caught me, thank God, as thunderous applause filled the bar.

When his lips met mine, it felt like coming home, and I knew in that moment, we’d be able to handle anything as long as we held on to this feeling.

“Nice jacket.” His voice was possessive. Raspy. So fucking hot.

“Did you miss it?” I looked up at him like it was the first time. Like I was memorizing every detail.

“No, I missed you.” He brushed hair behind my ear. “You quit your job.”

“I sold my apartment, too,” I added with a smirk.

He cupped my chin as people still clapped and cheered.

“Are you saying you’re homeless, Louie?” He grinned.

“Yep.” I feigned a pout. “My handbags and I are all alone.”

“Sounds like you need a place to stay.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Well, several places actually. How do you feel about Spain? And London? Maybe Paris?”

I bit my lip as a slow smile spread across my face. “You might regret that when you see how much luggage I bring.”

“You haven’t seen my guitar collection yet.”

“We’re gonna need a really big house,” I said.

“I’m a rock star now. Let’s get three.”

He kissed me again. This time, it was deeper. Slower. When he pulled back, his eyes were so intense that they stole my breath. “I love you, Elena. I should have told you that weeks ago. I knew it then. My life has been hell without you.”

My lips wobbled at the sound of his words. “I love you, too, and you were right; it wasn’t a sacrifice, giving up my shitty job and my lonely apartment. I’m ready to start this life—this adventure—with you.”

“Then, let’s get out of here,” he suggested. “I’m sick of all these cameras, and there are about a hundred different things I want to do to you right now that are definitely not appropriate for the internet.”

“I mean, they might be.” I laughed. “Depending on where you look.”

“No one gets to see any of this,” he said as his hand slid down my ass, “but me.”

I bit my lower lip as heat bloomed in my belly. “Let me go say good-bye to Marin, and I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” he said, but then his grin turned mischievous. “Just don’t run off this time.”

“Never,” I answered. “I’m yours. Forever.”

EPILOGUE

ELENA

“Ithink they’re onto us,” I said, motioning to the car on my right.

Zander glanced in my direction, looking ridiculously hot in his black baseball hat and aviator sunglasses. His forearm rested on the steering wheel, even though the engine had been off for a while now.

“I think they’re onto the fact that you really love that ice cream.” He raised that pierced brow.

“It’s really fucking good.”

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