Page 32 of When Love Changes Everything

Her eyes widen as the realization settles in, and I can see the spark of excitement shining in her gaze. "Thank you!" she exclaims before throwing her arms around me and kissing me with sweet abandon.

***

I can’t stop smiling as I get ready for bed. Lisa’s forgiveness feels like a lifeline, pulling me out of the storm of regret I’ve been lost in all these months. It makes me realize just how much my happiness and peace of mind are tied to her love—her unconditional acceptance of every flawed piece of me. I’m far from perfect, yet she loves me anyway. And now, with her by my side, I know we can face anything as long as we're together.

A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts, and my heart lurches. Excitement mingles with a flicker of fear. Did she change her mind? Is there more she needs to say? Bracing myself, I open the door.

There she is. Standing in the dim glow of the hallway. A flowing white silk nightgown hugs her frame, the matching robe slipping off one shoulder in the most tantalizing way. Her red hair cascades down in soft waves, framing her face with an almost angelic beauty. My breath catches, and for a moment, I’m certain I’ve never seen anything—or anyone—so stunning in my life.

“Hermosa,” I murmur, my voice rough. “Is everything okay?”

Her gaze locks with mine, her eyes shimmering with an unmistakable longing that sends a jolt through me.

“No,” she whispers, her voice charged with intent. "You said that if I ever needed anything, I'd know where to find you."

As she steps closer, the delicate scent of her perfume weaves through the air, wrapping around me and fanning the overwhelming desire I have to touch her. My pulse quickens, each beat an echo of anticipation between us.

“I remember,” I murmur, my hand lifting to rest on the doorframe, drawing me nearer to her, unable to resist the magnetic pull of her presence.

She smiles, tilting her head. Her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “I’d like for us to properly make up after our official first fight.”

I wrap my arm around her waist and lift her effortlessly off the floor, her soft gasp melting into a quiet laugh as her arms encircle my neck. Holding her close, I cross the threshold back into the bedroom.

I meet her gaze as she is suspended in my arms, her blue eyes shining with unwavering certainty. I search for even a flicker of hesitation, but all I find is the quiet assurance that this is exactly what she wants.

I lower her gently to the floor, and cradle her face with my hands, my thumb brushing across her pink lips as I lean in. My mouth claims hers in a kiss that is as fierce as it is full of promise, a wordless vow of everything I feel but haven't been able to put into words.

With one hand, I push the door closed behind us, shutting out the world and letting it slip away as if it never existed.

***

I groggily reach out, swatting at the alarm clock on my nightstand before realizing it’s my phone vibrating insistently. My bleary eyes struggle to focus on the glowing screen—three o’clock? Unknown caller?

For a moment, I stare at it, torn between curiosity and exhaustion. My gut says to let it go, and with a weary sigh, I drop the phone back onto the nightstand, choosing to ignore it.

Turning my head, I glance at Lisa. Her warm body is curled up beside me, her features bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. Strands of her red hair cascade across the pillow like a fiery halo, framing a face so beautiful that even in sleep, she leaves me utterly spellbound.

My chest tightens, a surge of love swelling within me. What did I ever do to deserve the privilege of waking up next to her?

I nuzzle her neck, the soft warmth of her skin brushing against my lips as I try to gently rouse her. She lets out a sleepy grunt in protest, shifting closer to me, her body instinctively seeking mine.

I breathe in the familiar scent of her hair, my arm tightening around her waist as I pull her closer. The world feels still, wrapped in the quiet perfection of this moment. But the peace is short-lived as the phone buzzes again, shattering the calm.

With a reluctant sigh, I reach for it, pressing it to my ear. “Hello,” I murmur, my voice rough and thick with lingering sleep.

“Darling," a familiar voice purrs through the line, instantly pulling me into full awareness. "It's Marian."

Chapter 13

Lisa

Was that the phone ringing, or was I dreaming?

Wait. Who is Mateo talking to?

I freeze, straining to catch the sound of his voice—low, urgent, and slicing through the stillness of the night. Every word seems to hang in the air, pulling me in. Now fully awake, I shift slightly onto my side, trying to angle myself so I can hear more clearly.

The room is cloaked in shadows, the only light coming from the soft glow of the moon spilling through the window. I can see Mateo pacing back and forth across the room, his silhouette tense. The phone is pressed to his ear, his voice low and clipped. It’s clear—he’s not happy.

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