Page 19 of Fall Twice

And this time around, I’m wiser.

This is exactly why I don’t give him the chance to let him feel like he is yet again the worthy opponent. It won’t be me making the first move.

But I do want a taste, and I’m relieved when his lips gently press down on my own.

I let logic go, and I firmly kiss back, and both of his hands come to cup my face. The tip of his tongue hits the corner of my mouth, and I open my lips to invite him in. A hint of whiskey and a lot of history hits my tastebuds.

The kiss deepens, and my entire body feels lit up, as if a firework is bursting behind my eyelids, and my pussy clenches from a desire reignited.

I murmur into his mouth as he moves to pull my body closer to his own. But as much as I remember this with Reid, it’s… different.

So different, I swear it’s new.

We part to take in air, only to fuse our mouths together again. Our heads tilt in different angles to get the perfect shape. It turns into a long kiss, a deep kiss, and I grip his arms as if I need to hang on.

I really should pull away.

Instead, I wait for our need to gather air. Softly, and slowly, our lips begin to part, but then he drags his mouth along my jawline and kisses the corner of my mouth.

My chest feels as though it may explode, as my breath is rapid. Closing my eyes, I do my best to collect some composure.

When Reid pulls back, he has an almost cocky, sexy look, and I know he has no regrets.

Nor do I.

I swallow and try to avoid his gaze. “As fun as that was, it probably shouldn’t have happened,” I admit, yet my tone is entertained.

He sits back, with his eyes darkened in neutrality, completely unreadable. “Right.”

This time, it’s me who sets the rules, and right now, my priority isn’t fulfilling my months of no human contact or starting something new with someone. It’s in no way a priority to try and be with the guy who I lusted over when I was younger, and if I’m honest, will think about later too.

Reid abruptly stands and offers me his hand. “Come on, friend, let’s order you a taxi.”

I place my hand in his warm palm, and he pulls me up. “We will forget about this and go back to coffees?” I ask.

“Yep, and watering plants if asked,” he promises.

I slowly nod.

There is a long silence before I search for my phone, but then I pause. A thought comes to me, a sort of wonder or a test or a simple natural need. I’m allowed to try things, I’m independent and free to explore.

“Actually… can I stay?” I ask.

7

LENA

Reid reluctantly comes to lie on his bed on top of the blankets. I lie on my side looking at him as our eyes remain locked, with the glow of the side lamp illuminating our faces.

This was my request. Sleeping next to one another because I don’t want to feel alone.

The idea of returning to my house where everything smells new sent a shiver down my spine. Not that I don’t like my new house, it’s just… confirming that I’m alone and waiting for my next chapter in my life. I know once Oscar arrives that it will feel like home, but tonight, I can be selfish because Oscar is with his father.

“Does this distance follow protocol?” Reid asks, entertained, indicating to the space between us.

I asked him if we could just sleep next to one another, and he didn’t hesitate.

“It’s perfect,” I assure him.

---