Page 122 of First Comes Forever

I thought it’d be awkward when Chase got back, but turns out I think I have more in common with him than I realized. We swap war stories about social media trolls and the ugly parts of the entertainment industry. Both of us spent most of our careers vying for everyone’s approval. And now, we’re both healing from it.

“Did you land Chase another big movie role?” I ask as Adam arrives at the walkway. Unable to contain my excitement, I rip open the front door and step onto the porch, bare feet and all.

“Not that kind of business,” Adam says as he takes the two concrete steps in one stride. He stops two feet away from me and puts down his phone. “I had a whole speech planned, but now that I’m here, I need to do this first.”

“Do what?”

My head fogs over as I soak him in. His deep brown eyes look a little honey-colored in the direct sunlight. It looks like he shaved and got a fresh haircut. And goddamn, he smells so good. It takes everything in me not to reach out and run my fingertips against his baby-smooth-looking cheek.

“Hey, summer girl, you can hang up now. I’m right here.”

“Oh, right.” I laugh as I pull the phone from my ear, dropping it to my side. “Do what?” I ask again.

Adam sets down the bag and wraps one hand around the back of my neck, guiding me to his lips. He secures his other arm around my back so tightly, you’d think a boa constrictor was trying to snap me in half. But I understand the urge. I could crawl into his skin and it wouldn’t be close enough.

At first, his kiss is tender and sweet. “God, you’re so beautiful,” he whispers against my mouth. But when I part my lips, just slightly, his tongue fills me desperately. His hand drops to my ass. Then up my back. He squeezes my waist, then grips my hips, like he’s trying to touch every part of me at once. I have to peel our bodies apart when his hand slips into the waistband of my pants. I don’t trust myself not to get carried away right here on this porch.

“I don’t think you’ve ever kissed me like that before.” I tilt my chin up to look into his eyes.

He runs his finger against my top lip. “I don’t think I’ve ever missed you this much.”

“Well, maybe you should miss me more.” I waggle my eyebrows and flash him a cute grin. “Because I’d like more kisses like that.”

“No, Amani. I’m done missing you now.”

I place my hand against his chest, feeling the silky smooth material of his polo. His heart is thumping almost as hard as mine. “Really good line, Adam.”

He chuckles at our inside joke, then points to the door. “May I come in?” I grab the bag on the ground, then his hand and lead him inside. As soon as he closes the door behind him, he lets out a dramatic exhale. “Damn, it’s sweltering in here.”

“Yeah, sorry. I think I’m the only one who has their heat on in April. My toes are always cold. Pop open that big window. It’ll cool down in no time.”

“That’s okay. Keep your toes comfortable. I’ve accepted that a life with you means I’ll permanently run a little hot.”

“So gallant,” I tease. Holding out his paper bag with the thin handles, I ask, “Did you bring me a present?”

“Sort of. I’m returning something.”

I peek into the bag and see the stuffed pickle I left for Adam. “What is this?”

“I couldn’t believe you left Picolas Cage behind. He belongs in your keepsake box.”

I stifle a laugh. “First of all, if we’re giving ridiculous names to that pickle, it is most definitely Briny Spears. Second, that’s really sweet, but my keepsake box is for items that mark an important memory.” I squeeze the stuffed pickle and it groans in a familiar low wail. “This was a silly gift from Addie. I have too many of those to fit in one box.”

Adam holds out his hand, asking for the stuffed toy. “It’s an important memory to me. The first time I saw this pickle, I knew I loved you and that I’d do anything,and I mean crazy things, for you.”

I smile. “Like offering to have a baby with me?”

“Starting a family with you wasn’t crazy. What was crazy was being so afraid I couldn’t make you happy that I wanted you to hurry up and leave me. Based on my past experiences, I figured it was bound to happen anyway.”

I’ve never seen him look so vulnerable. Adam always has a plan, and money is never an obstacle. I always thought the world was easy for him. I had no idea he was hurting as much as I was.

“I didn’t want to leave you. But I didn’t want you to be solely responsible for my happiness. Your mom told me that facing anxiety and depression isn’t just about taking action when you’re hurting. It’s about prioritizing yourself even when things are going well.” I gesture around to the living room. “I’ve been cooking, crafting, reading—nothing scholarly, mostly just Addie’s naughty romance books. I find them far more informative.”

Adam grins. “Good to know.”

“We did the right thing, Adam. I needed to come home. I could heal at home.”

“I agree,” he says, crossing the space between us. “But I should’ve been here while you were working through everything. I shouldn’t have believed that all you wanted from me was a baby. But I’m here now. I want to be where you are. So now Denver is my home.”

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