Page 74 of Until We Weren't

“You thought I’d judge you?” Destiny asked.

Faith shook her head. “That came out wrong. It was more like I was judging myself through your eyes. I know now I need to tell you when something is bothering me or when something is good. It goes both ways. I know you’ll listen and together we’ll work whatever it is out.”

“Or enjoy it together?”

Faith smiled. “I hope so. For example, I’m very excited to see your parents today. We used to have Sunday lunch with them often. The old me would’ve been nervous about today. I’d be wondering if they’re going to be upset with me for what I put us through.”

“Oh, Faith, they won’t?—”

“I know they won’t,” Faith said. “Your mom tried to help me so many times. Today, they’ll be happy to see me and I hope they'll be happy to see us together. That’s what I think.”

Destiny sighed. “You didn’t do this to us.” She squeezed Faith’s hand. “Let’s sit for a minute.”

They walked over to the chairs in front of the house. Destiny pulled hers to face Faith’s and took her hands in hers. She knew Faith blamed herself for what happened between them, but it wasn’t that simple. “We have to look at this for what it is. It was a perfect storm instigated by Gloria.”

Faith shook her head. “I don’t know, Des?—”

“Yes, Faith,” Destiny said firmly. “Gloria started it. We found out our relationship wasn’t what we thought. You didn’t do this. I didn’t do this.”

“But we can fix it together,” Faith added with hope in her voice.

Destiny smiled. “That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Before Destiny knew what was happening, Faith grabbed her face and crushed their lips together. Destiny held on to Faith’s wrists then gently ran her hands over Faith’s shoulders. She could feel the tension in Faith begin to ease and she softened the kiss.

They didn’t pull apart, but instead settled in and basked in this kiss that both of them had longed for since they’d left the shack. Destiny’s tongue explored Faith’s mouth with pleasure. She remembered how luscious and sweet Faith’s kisses could be and now she was right in the middle of all this luxurious joy. Yes! That’s what this kiss was. Joy!

Destiny’s heart was pounding and she could hear her pulse in her own ears when Faith’s arms snaked around her back and pulled her closer. Faith’s tongue was now demanding and seeking and Destiny was all for it. She groaned and Faith pulled her even tighter as the kiss flamed in intensity then began to slowly soften.

Destiny caressed Faith’s lips with her own, not wanting the kiss to end. “Mmm,” she murmured against Faith’s lips. “So good.”

She felt Faith smile then slowly opened her eyes and pulled away. Faith’s fingers feathered down Destiny’s cheek then her index finger traced Destiny’s lips. “God, I missed you,” Faith whispered. “I missed this.”

Destiny smiled as she swallowed the emotion caught in her throat. She wanted to jump up and race to Faith’s bedroom, but she also wanted to stare into Faith’s crystal blue eyes and never look away.

Faith pressed her lips to Destiny’s once again and Destiny closed her eyes, imprinting this moment in her memory to savor. This was the kiss of new beginnings mixed with the goodness of the past.

When Faith pulled away Destiny whispered, “I could kiss you all day.”

Faith leaned back in and Destiny claimed her lips. She ran her hand behind Faith’s neck and held it there. Her heart was pounding and she was sure Faith could feel it, too.

Faith slowly pulled away and Destiny opened her eyes to the most beautiful smile. “If your parents weren’t waiting on us…”

“I know.” Destiny sighed.

“Kissing you all day would be a very nice birthday gift,” Faith said, raising her brows.

Destiny chuckled. “We have your party.”

“There’s always the day after,” Faith suggested.

Destiny knew her eyes were sparkling because her heart was doing cartwheels. The smile on Faith’s face fell and she looked serious. “What is it?” Destiny asked.

“I’m not taking anything for granted, Des,” Faith said. “I know we still have things to work through.”

Destiny nodded. Faith had made sure not to push Destiny since the truth came out. She was determined not to overwhelm her, but Destiny could see these kisses meant everything to Faith, too.

“Let’s go see my folks,” Destiny said. “Then I have a little surprise for you.” She leaned in and quickly kissed Faith on the lips before getting up and pulling Faith up with her.

---