Page 105 of The Story of Us
“I promise. I just didn’t want to disappoint you.”
Eloise pulled his lips to hers, whispering against Nate’s mouth, “You could never disappoint me.”
“Can I kiss—” Nate didn’t get to finish his question before Eloise kissed him.
It held the same heat as always, and Nate’s insides twisted deliciously like they did each time she touched him, but this kiss was different. It was full of promise. Tough times would come, but they’d get through them. Eloise opened her mouth, urging Nate to deepen the kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, pushing in to tangle with hers. They kissed until they were breathless, bodies pressed against each other with the promise of something else. Everywhere she touched, Nate felt like a brand.
“I thought I’d ruined it all. When I left the other day. I let my fear make decisions when I should’ve just spoken to you. I’m so sorry.”
“I know.” Eloise’s lips brushed across his cheek, her whisper leaving a trail of heat behind it. “But you need to know I’m not going anywhere.”
“Wait.” Nate jerked backwards. They didn’t go through all this shit for her to give up on her dream at the last minute. “Tiger, you have to go to America.”
Eloise flushed at his growl, squirming on his lap. They both groaned when his hardness pressed up against Eloise.
“Soon,” he promised with a quick kiss.
“And that right there is why you’re the words person, not me. I meant I’m not going anywhere right now. I am going to America, but maybe you’d like to come? For part of it? Or all of it? We can figure it out together.”
“I’m there. You think I’m going to miss out on even a second of time with you? And I’ve got a few meetings coming up in New York soon. Jemima Jenkins wants me to write her a romance.”
“I love that idea.” Eloise cupped Nate’s cheek, her lips curling when he turned his face and kissed her palm.
“Me too,” he said. “Even if it’s different and not what people expect from me. It’s time to try something new.”
The pride in Eloise’s eyes made all the mess he’d had to fight through to get here worth it.
“One question,” Eloise said, pulling him closer so his chest pressed against hers. “How did Jemima Jenkins know you were thinking about writing romance?”
“Uhhh.” Nate scratched his neck. Time to fess up. “I accidentally sent her a copy ofThe Story of Us.”
Eloise’s eyes grew wide, and he bit his lip. Said a prayer that she wouldn’t be too mad.
“Oh my God, so she knows about the rabbit?” Eloise groaned. Nate dropped his head to her shoulder, his laughter increasing. She sighed loudly. “It’s not funny.”
“Said it was her favourite part.”
Eloise buried her head in her hands, rolling her eyes when Nate gently prised them away from her face.
“Don’t worry, I told her it wasn’t for sale. That’s just for us.”
“What do you say we get out of here? I think we’ve done our duty,” Eloise said, and Nate’s heart swelled with joy. Huh. He’d always thought that expression was super cheesy, but now he could see how it would work perfectly in a romance.
“Lead the way, Tiger. We’ve got an ending to write together.”
THE END.
EPILOGUE
Three years later
It had taken Nate a long time to realise that not all secrets were bad. Or kept quiet because of shame and guilt. Some were actually the best things ever.
Eloise stirred next to him, her long hair hiding her face as she burrowed into his chest. A soft sigh coasted across his skin and pure contentedness—something he’d once thought wasn’t ever going to happen for him—surrounded him. The alarm clock next to the bed highlighted the early hour.
Today was a big day.
Bigger than Eloise’s Master of Art Therapy graduation and the party that he and KPs had thrown celebrating her.
