Page 193 of Chasing Infinity

“Yeah,” I respond and then look at her warmly. “Nothing’s changed, though. I was head over heels in love with you then, and I still am now.”

Even in the low light, I see the blush warm over her cheeks, and she nudges me with her shoulder. “Slick guy,” she whispers.

We fall into a comfortable silence then, each of us taking regular sips of our coffee as we wait for the big moment. Before too long, the sky lights up, the darkness fading into pastel pinks and yellows.

Addison gasps as soon as the sky starts its dance, pressing herself closer to me as if trying to get a better look. Instead of being captivated by the sky like she is, I find myself watching her. I see every moment of awe and wonder that flashes across her beautiful face as the sun rises.

I vividly remember the last time I brought her here to watch the sunrise. I was so in love with her, but I didn’t know what to do with that information then. Even now, knowing what I do about what our story entailed, I don’t think I would have changed my mind about her. Would I have done things differently? Abso-fucking-lutely yes. But what’s done is done, and I can’t change the past.

I fall even more in love with her as I watch the sunlight caress her face, highlighting every sparkle in her eyes and the freckles that dot her cheeks.

“You’re staring at me,” she whispers. I’m hit with a sense of deja vu as the memories of our past come flooding in.

“I want to kiss you,” I tell her, and she turns her head toward me.

A soft smirk plays on her lips. “Then do it.”

Without wasting any more time, I slide my hand up her body until I’m cupping her cheek. Slowly, I pull her to me, closing the distance between us as I kiss her. She sighs happily as I move my lips against hers.

“Noah,” she gasps when we both come up for air. “Noah, I want you.”

I find her eyes, feeling my body ignite under her heated gaze. “Here?” She nods her answer, biting her swollen lower lip.

Groaning low in my throat, I do as she asks and—after moving our coffee mugs away from the blanket—maneuver her until she’s lying on the blanket. We both make quick work of our clothes, shimmying and wiggling out of them until we’re both bare. I exhale with relief as soon as I feel her bare skin against mine, and then I claim her lips again.

I let myself get lost in Addison, allowing her love to consume me. She gives back with every lick and kiss enthusiastically, taking her pleasure from my body without holding back. This moment feels sacred. As the sun rises over us, I get the sense that we are unstoppable.

We may have a long ways to go until we’re okay again, but as long as we do it together, I know we’ll get there. I have no doubt in my mind that Addison and I are stronger together and that we can beat any challenge that comes our way.

Epilogue

Addison

One Year Later

“Okay, okay,” I complain, laughing as Grace grabs my hand and practically drags me up the stairs toward town hall.

“Hurry up, slowpoke, we’re going to be late!”

The two of us are dressed to the nines, all primped and polished, for the evening. It’s a momentous night for many reasons. For starters, it’s the first Mayor’s Ball Willow Heights has hosted in over a decade in honor of the election of our new mayor. This leads to the second reason for celebration.

The one and only Charlie Sullivan has just recently taken the mayor’s seat.

It’s been a long year in the aftermath of the worst night of my life, but I think everything has finally settled down. Noah has been swamped ever since that night, cleaning up messes and putting out fires, all in order to shut down the horrific business his father had been running.

Only a month ago, Noah returned from a quick trip to DC, looking exhausted. As soon as he walked into the apartment, he collapsed on the couch and hung his head between his knees. I went over and sat with him until he was ready to talk. With a deep exhale and bloodshot eyes, he held my attention and said the words I’ll never forget.

“It’s done. We’ve done it.”

Not even a week later, Noah turned his resignation to the FBI, choosing to take on a more quiet life as part of the police force in Willow Heights. This way, he can still devote himself to the work he loves on a smaller scale.

Charlie decided to run for mayor this past election season, taking over the interim mayor’s position. The election was a landslide, with the people of Willow Heights going out and putting in their votes in support of the police chief they love and trust.

So tonight we’re celebrating many things.

As soon as we reach the ballroom doors, Grace turns to me with a critical eye. “Smile. Let me make sure you don’t have lipstick on your teeth.” I roll my eyes but do as she asks, baring my teeth to my best friend, who nods approvingly. “Clear. Shall we?”

I decided to come tonight with Grace as Noah had to work all day. He said he would meet me here later as soon as his shift ended. It was all fine with me since Grace is about as good a wing-woman as a girl can get.

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