Page 58 of If Ever

"I'm sorry about the interruptions," I say. "I swear this never happens when you're not here. You are a people magnet."

"I think there was a conspiracy to keep us from being alone, but it was fun. Hank's a riot." He gestures toward the door. "Any chance I could convince you to ride along with me to the airport?"

And spend more time with him? "Of course."

I think he visibly relaxed at my response. His hand is at the small of my back as he guides me toward a black town car.

"I ordered it earlier," he explains opening the door for me.

"Pretty swanky." I slide in and he follows, telling the driver his airline. The driver pulls into traffic. I turn to Tom. "Thank you for coming."

But he isn't listening. He sweeps me into his arms. His lips crush mine and I lose myself to the touch of his kisses. He coaxes my lips apart and his tongue mingles with mine. I place my hand on his chest and soak in his scent. He is solid and real and he flew across the country just to see me.

"Oh, Chelsea. You have no idea what you do to me," he whispers in my ear, tickling my skin with his breath.

I'm at a loss. I want to beg him not to go, but that wouldn't be fair. He can't stay, and I can't follow. I press my cheek to his. "I hate that you have to go." The town car pulls into the kiss and fly lane at the airport. How appropriate.

He brushes a lock of hair behind my ear. "I'm so glad I came."

"So am I. You have no idea."

"All I want is to be with you and get to know everything about you."

"I'll be in New York before you know it," I say more for my own benefit.

"I'm counting on that."

The interior lights come on. Tom pulls out his wallet. "Here's for my fare." He pulls out a few twenties. "This should be enough to drive my friend back to her apartment."

The driver nods his thanks.

Tom sighs and steps out of the car. I stand next to the open door, longing to follow him back to New York.

He lowers his forehead to mine. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. He smiles, kisses me quick on the forehead, and turns to enter the terminal. I duck back into the car, so my last memory isn't of him disappearing from sight. That would be too much to bear.

As the car pulls into traffic, I struggle between the grin that covers my face and the ache in my heart.

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