Page 101 of How We Loved

Now, I know exactly what those lips I’ve stared at for years feel like against my own.

I know exactly what his body feels like, pressed against mine in a fit of passion.

And I know exactly what that look he’s giving me means.

It’s the same look he gave me last night.

The one I had to break.

“Did you just get up and walk out of class?” I ask, trying to cut the tension in the room.

He nods, not changing his stoic expression or breaking eye contact.

“Why?”

“Because you told me to.”

I try to hide the grin his words cause. “I told you to come over after school.”

“I couldn’t wait that long.”

“For what?”

Again, he doesn’t respond.

“Why can’t you say it?”

He rubs his lips together, and I raise my eyebrows in response, like I’m waiting for him to say something—anything.

“Because once we cross that line, we can’t go back. I’ve already lost you once. And that was before I even had you. I can’t go through that again. I won’t survive it.”

His honesty hits me to the core.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Now, it’s his turn to raise his eyebrows at me.

I stand up. Last night, I had to kiss him, and he was the one who stopped it. He needs to trust that I’m not going anywhere.

I open my arms out wide. “I’m right here. I want this. I want you. So, what are you going to do about it?”

He struts across the room to me, wraps his hands around the back of my head, and brings my lips to his.

Last night, we kissed in a fit of rage and passion, but now, it’s completely different.

Now, it feels like a soothing waterfall that’s spilling over an edge, coating me in everything he has. Our first kiss was exhilarating, but this one feels like forever.

He lifts me up so I’m to his level and swings me around. “We’re really doing this, aren’t we?” he asks, more joy to his voice than I’ve ever heard before.

I laugh. “Yeah, I think you’re stuck with me.”

He sets me down and places his hand on my cheek. “Nah, I think you’re stuck with me.”

He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight, making me realize just how much I’ve missed this, how much my soul has missed being next to him.

I laugh when I hear his stomach growl. “Hungry?” I ask.

He chuckles. “Aren’t I always?”

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