Page 16 of Dash to Me
“I’m staying at the hotel tonight,” she says. “Room 312.”
My heart hammers against my ribs. “Is that an invitation?”
“It’s a continuation of our conversation.” Her smile is shy but determined. “I’m not ready for this night to end, either.”
Ryan catches my eye from across the room, gesturing for me to join him and Jenna for their send-off. “I have to?—”
“Go,” she nods. “Best man duties. I’ll see you after?”
I brush my lips against her forehead. “Count on it.”
The next hour passes in a blur of sparkler send-offs, cleaning up personal items, and making sure the vendors have everything they need. By the time I make it to the hotel elevator, it’s nearly midnight. My tie hangs loose around my neck, and I’ve shed my jacket somewhere along the way.
I knock softly on door 312, suddenly nervous. What if she’s changed her mind? What if?—
The door opens, and she’s there, still in her dress but barefoot now, her hair falling loose around her shoulders.
“Hi,” she says, stepping back to let me in.
“Hi.” I follow her inside, closing the door behind me.
The room is dim, and she’s kicked off her heels by the bed, and there’s a half-empty glass of wine on the nightstand. “I was starting to think you weren’t coming,” she admits.
“Nothing could’ve have kept me away.” I move closer, drawn to her like gravity. “I just needed to make sure Ryan and Jenna got off okay.”
“And did they?”
“They’re on their way to their honeymoon suite, blissfully happy and completely oblivious to anyone else in the world.”
She smiles. “As it should be on their wedding night.”
We stand there for a moment, the air between us charged. Then I reach out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “So,” I say softly. “Where were we?”
“I’ve been thinking about that offer in Chicago,” she says, avoiding my question. “It’s a good opportunity, but...”
“But?”
“But there are opportunities here too.” Her eyes meet mine. “Professional ones. Personal ones.”
I take her hands in mine. “I would never ask you to give up something you’ve worked for.”
“I know you wouldn’t. That’s part of why...” She trails off, biting her lip.
“Why what?”
“Why I’ve always felt this way about you.” The admission hangs between us, delicate and powerful. “Even when I tried not to.”
I lean in, capturing her lips with mine. This kiss is different from our frantic one—slower, deeper, deliberate. Her arms wrap around my neck as I pull her closer. When we finally break apart, both breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “I don’t want to rush this, Ev. I want to do it right.”
She smiles, fingers threading through my hair. “We’ve waited years already. I think we’re past the rushing stage.”
“Still,” I murmur, kissing her again softly. “You’re important to me. This is important.”
“Stay with me tonight.”
I nod, kicking off my shoes. We end up on the bed, still fully clothed, facing each other. Talking. About everything. The snowstorm night. The almost-moments over the years. Our fears. Our hopes.
“What will Ryan say?” she asks, tracing patterns on my palm.
