Page 133 of Edge of Unbroken

I started reading through the countless messages she sent me, beginning on the day I left for Montana. Some days she sent only one message, while on others she sent ten or more. They ranged from short and sweet one-liners to thoughts so intimate it felt like I was reading her diary. Regardless of what she said, I could almost hear her voice while reading her texts and my entire body yearned for her more powerfully than it had before. I didn’t get through all her messages that day, and I didn’t get a chance to read them on Friday while traveling back to New York, but this morning I lingered and got through the rest of them.

Cat sent her most recent message last night after I had already fallen asleep.

Cat:

Finally heading back home tomorrow. I wish you were coming home, too. I miss you more every day. PS: I’m wearing your sweater… again. I love you.

I smiled at the thought of her wearing my hoodie and knowing she sent me this message completely unaware that I was already so close to her.

I was about to roll out of bed when a new message from Cat popped up. I read it immediately.

Cat:

At the airport now about to board my plane. It’s raining. It matches my mood. I dreamed of you last night and it made my heart hurt. I wish there were words to express how deeply I miss you. “I miss you” just doesn’t cut it anymore. But, you know, I miss you.

My fingers itched to text her back, to let her know I was here, that I’d see her in a few hours and couldn’t wait to wrap her in my arms. But I refrained once again, not wanting to make her antsy on her flight. It was enough that I had a hard time keeping my head straight.

I took it exceptionally easy during the day, unpacking, doing whatever I could to keep busy until, eventually, Steve’s phone rang. He grinned at me, holding a finger up, signaling me to be quiet as he answered on speaker. It was Zack, who wanted to confirm the plans for today. I got more and more antsy the closer we got to leaving the house to head to Shane’s. The anticipation of seeing everyone and, fuck, pulling Cat into my arms the nanosecond she was within reach of me was almost too much to bear.

“Mind if I drive?” I asked Steve, who was reaching for his car keys.

He grinned at me and withdrew his hand from his keys. “Of course not.” He motioned for me to head out the door.

“What time are you guys coming home?” my dad called after us.

“Probably whenever Cat’s curfew is,” Steve chuckled, and I smiled at him. My dad gave us a thumbs-up and Steve closed the door behind us.

I inhaled deeply when I slid into my car, leaning my head back, eyes closed while I ran my hands over the steering wheel, feeling the soft leather under my fingers.

“Jesus, who do you want to make love to more, Cat or your car?” Steve teased.

“Sorry, I missed my car,” I said. “But to answer your question: Cat. Let’s go.”

The drive was quick, but that didn’t prevent the increasing restlessness I felt the closer we got to the house.

By the time we pull into the driveway, it feels like I’m sitting on pins and needles.

I can see the deck illuminated by the string lights. Everyone is gathered on the front portion of the wraparound for some reason, and my heart does somersaults in my chest knowing Cat is just a few fucking feet away from me. I park where I always do—right next to Shane’s Jeep—and turn off the ignition while Steve is already climbing out of the passenger side of my car.

“No. Fucking. Way.” I can hear Zack’s voice. “It’s Ran. Your boyfriend is here.” He’s obviously talking to Cat, and sure enough, when I step out of my car I can sense her. My eyes are drawn to her like magnets as she stands on the deck, peering over the railing and down at me. I only catch a glimpse of her beautiful face before she spins around and runs out of my sight.

Without wasting another moment or a further thought, I shut the door to my car and sprint up the stairs, taking them two at a time to the front door. It flies open just as I reach the top.

My body knows it’s her before my brain even has a chance to register her, and I pull her into my arms, seeking as much closeness as possible while she holds on to me for dear life. I bury my face against her neck, breathing her in deeply, feeling her hair on my face, her soft curves pressed tightly against me, and I think if I let go I might die. In this moment, it’s only her; she’s all that matters, a god damn life force and the only thing I’ll ever need. I let the moment wash over me, live in it, feel it like I’ve never felt anything before. This is it. I’m home.

I don’t know how long we stand in the entry way like that. Her holding me, me holding her, no intention of ever letting go.

“Don’t mind me, guys, I’m just going to squeeze by you. Take your time,” Steve chuckles and brushes past me.

I move my face away from Cat’s neck and look at her perfect face. Her cheeks are my favorite rosy color. “Baby,” I breathe as she looks at me, the gold specks in her hazel eyes shimmering with tears. I crash my lips against hers, wanting, needing, to taste her, to make her feel better.

She parts her lips willingly and I slip my tongue into her mouth, savoring her. I didn’t realize how truly starved I was for her until now, until she was finally back in my arms. She pushes herself closer against me, her chest heaving against mine with erratic breaths, and it takes all of my willpower not to scoop her up and walk her into the nearest bedroom so I can make us both forget these last seven months ever happened.

Cat

Never let go. Just keep holding on. Don’t ever let him go.

It’s the only thought in my head as I feel Ronan—his body heat against my skin, his hands on my back, arms holding me so tightly, afraid to ever let go again. I feel his heart kicking against his ribs, matching mine, and for the first time in one hundred and forty-three days I feel whole.

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