Page 136 of The Rookie

That I won’t have to pretend this was just casual.

That I won’t have to pretend this didn’t change everything.

My hands loosen on the railing, my breathing still uneven, my body still tingling.

Griffin trails lazy, open-mouthed kisses down my back, his hands sliding up my sides like he’s reluctant to let go.

Like he’s memorizing me.

Like he knows this is it.

I push off the railing, adjusting my dress, running a shaky hand through my hair.

I turn, meeting his gaze.

His eyes are unreadable.

His jaw tense.

His chest still rising and falling too fast.

We just stare at each other.

A long, heavy, loaded silence.

I swallow hard.

And then—I force a smirk.

"Well. That was an appropriate send-off."

He lets out a rough, breathless chuckle, dragging a hand through his hair.

"Yeah. One hell of a farewell."

I nod, letting out a loud breath. “You’ve been a great friend with benefits, Griffin. I officially have forgotten my ex’s name.”

“Gavin?”

“Who?” I try to joke.

But something in my chest aches.

I don’t know what I was expecting.

“Hey.” His voice is soft, his hand threading tenderly through my hair. “You good?”

I force a smile, nodding. “Yeah. Really good.”

Lies.

Because in reality, my thoughts are spinning out of control.

Kids.

I’m thinking aboutkids.

I’ve never given it serious thought before—never allowed myself to. And yet, here I am, lying in this tangle of emotions, my heart clenching over something I don’t even fully understand.

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