Page 40 of Make Me Yours
Because deep down, I already know.
This isn’t just a moment.
It’s a shift.
A spark that’s already caught fire.
I don’t think I’m prepared for what that means.
But ready or not…
I feel it.
12
STEELE
The heavy loft door swings shut behind us with a thud, and the sound echoes through the stairwell as we make our way down to the parking structure. The photography studio is in one of those renovated industrial buildings with exposed brick, high ceilings, and oversized windows that let in just enough light to make everything look effortlessly cool.
But none of it compares to the way Lilah looked in that silver dress. I can’t stop thinking about the way her blue eyes locked on mine when I pulled her close for the camera.
For a few stolen moments, she belonged to me.
Even if she didn’t realize it.
“You were good in there,” I say, glancing at her. “Maybe you should come to more of these shoots. Do a little modeling on the side.”
She lets out a dry laugh before shaking her head. “No way. Once was more than enough, thank you very much.”
I smirk. “Really? You didn’t enjoy it? Not even a little?”
She hesitates, pondering the question.
My guess is that she didn’t hate it as much as she wants me to believe. I could see it in the way she relaxed by the end of theshoot and how her body molded itself against mine. Not to mention, the way her eyes softened when she looked at me.
Instead of admitting that, she shrugs. “I mean… it wasn’t terrible.”
I chuckle, enjoying the way she’s trying to play it cool. That doesn’t stop me from noticing the way her fingers drift across the bare skin where the watch had been clasped around her wrist, as if she’s thinking back to the shoot.
Maybe Lilah isn’t ready to acknowledge the way our relationship is changing, but that’s fine. I’ve forced myself to be patient for ten long years. Giving her a little more time won’t kill me.
I hope.
The air is cool and crisp with the early afternoon breeze as we reach the parking structure. Without thinking, I slide my hand into hers, threading our fingers together.
For a second or two, she stiffens before relaxing and letting me hold her.
I don’t say anything about it.
I just do it like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Like it’s something I’ve been doing for years.
Her hand is delicate against mine, but there’s a strength there too. She doesn’t pull away as we weave through the cars. Even though I don’t want to, I release her to open the passenger door, and watch as she slides inside the vehicle. She moves carefully, adjusting her skirt as it rises up her thighs just enough to make my stomach tighten.
I shut the door before I actually start to drool.
Once I’m inside, I fire up the engine. The low rumble fills the quiet between us as I pull out of the garage and onto the street.
