Page 98 of My Best Years

“Birdie Wren,” I groan against her lips. “We need to get the fuck out of here.Now.”

TWENTY-SIX

Callum

Fifteen minutes after we rush off the ferris wheel, we’re pushing through my bedroom door. I’ve never sped home so fast in my entire life. It’s a miracle I didn’t get pulled over.

Birdie’s back thumps against the door as I shut it and reach for her. She rocks against me, moaning as I seal my lips to her neck and lather kisses down her silky skin. One of my arms wraps around her back while the other dives into her hair, pulling her to me.

My fingers twist around her golden locks, tugging her head back as I suck on the delicate spot between her shoulder and neck. When Birdie’s arms fly around my neck, I lower my grip down to her ass.

Her legs instinctively wrap around my waist when I lift her, putting her at the perfect height to rub against me. I groan into the crook of her neck when my throbbing erection strokes against the sensitive spot beneath her shorts.

The sweet and salty taste of Birdie’s skin combined with her signature scent is enough to make any man lose his mind.

Birdie feverishly tugs on the strands of my hair, forcefully pulling my lips back to hers. She wastes no time sliding her tongue into my mouth and kissing the breath from my lungs.

When we were younger, she wanted me to take the lead. She was more comfortable with me making the next move, and I was more than happy to do it.

But I can’t lie, it’s turning me the fuck on how comfortable she is taking control and showing me exactly what she wants. It makes me feel confident in taking this next step with her.

Birdie chuckles against my lips when Ollie audibly scratches the other side of the door, completely unaware of what his dad is about to do in here.

“He can wait,” I grin sheepishly and bite down on her lower lip. “For the first time in over a decade, I get to be with my girl again.”

Birdie’s brows draw together with sentiment as she cups my jaw. Her eyes bounce around my face like she’s trying to memorize each line. She caresses my cheek before sweetly pressing her lips to mine.

“Callum…” Her hot breath kisses my lips.

“Yeah, baby?”

“I need you to know something.”

“What is it?” I ask, my teeth nipping at her jaw.

She lets out a shaky breath.

“Even when I thought I hated you…Even when I wanted nothing more than to wipe your memory from my brain, you were still the only one I wanted,” she mutters. “No man could ever hold a candle to you. And for the longest time, I thought something was wrong with me. I thought I was broken. But now, I’m realizing that maybe…it was always supposed to be us. Because if I had to go through the pain and heartbreak all over again, I would do it in a second. If it meant I’d end up here with you, I wouldn't hesitate.”

A lump forms in my throat as my chest constricts.

To hear those words come from Birdie’s lips…

Because if I had to go through the pain and heartbreak all over again, I would do it in a second.

For so long, I’d convinced myself that Birdie would never forgive me. It doesn't feel real to have her in my arms, holding her as she confesses words that patch up my tattered heart.

I genuinely believe that Birdie Wren is the reason I’m alive today.

When I was a kid, there were times when I thought the world would be better off without me. When the abuse was at its worst, Birdie was the reason I stayed. She was the reason I held on.

It killed me to imagine a world where Birdie and I didn’t exist together. Before I was old enough to understand feelings beyond friendship, I somehow knew that I wanted to be by Birdie’s side forever.

Twenty-one years later, I still only see her.

“Birdie Wren,” I choke out, placing a kiss between her brows. “You’re my girl, baby. Until my very last breath. My only one.”

It’s impossible to hold back the water filling my eyes. I don’t care if crying makes me weak.

---