Page 28 of Beautifully Complicated

I’m afraid to believe. Afraid towant. He still doesn’t know the truth, right? But he’s kissing me like the months apart have been just as devastating for him as they were for me. Like I’m his most treasured possession.

Maybe he’s forgiven me.

Strong fingers tunnel through my hair holding my face to his. “I looked everywhere, Leanbh.Everywhere.” His swollen lips whisper over mine. “I checked with the front desk at the hotel. The pub. You paid with cash, and you were never there when I went back. It’s like you were a ghost. But I knew you were real. I knew it.”

“You looked for me?” I squeak.

“Of course I did.”

Kiss.

“I told you I wouldn’t forget that night.”

Kiss.

“You.”

Kiss.

“I didn’t want it to end after one night.”

Kiss.

“I would’ve told you that morning, but you were gone. Why’d you sneak out?” Kier’s pained expression makes my heart physically ache.

Oh God. I don’t want to lie, but how do I tell him the truth?

“I didn’t want to,” I whisper. “I thought it’d be easier to leave than to have an awkward goodbye. I’m sorry.”

Kier presses his forehead to mine and strokes my cheek with his thumb. “It’s okay, Leanbh.”

Kiss.

“You’re here now. You found me.”

Kiss.

“How did you find me?” He pulls back just enough for me to make out the subtle line between his brows.

He doesn’t know. He hasn’t forgiven me. The pieces of my heart that had stitched back together at the sight of him tear anew.

“I didn’t find you, Kier. Not intentionally.” I sniff, blinking back my gathering tears. “My counselor told me to report to this office.”

“Your counselor?” His sapphire eyes turn cloudy. “You’re a student here?”

“Yes.”

“In the computer science program?”

“Yes.”

“Classes don’t start until next week. If you’re here now… Are you… My TA? My research assistant?”

“Yes. Both.”

“If that’s true then—” Kier blinks so fast his eyes become an icy blur. “You’re obviously familiar with my work, so… You knew who I was in Denver?”

I can’t look at him while I admit to my deceit. All I can do is close my eyes and nod.

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