He follows, losing control, his body shuddering above me as he calls my name.
After that, he pulls me close, our bodies pressed together. His chest rises and falls against mine, heart pounding in time with my own. We lie there in silence, letting the world filter back in.
He kisses my forehead. “You’re mine,” he mutters, voice rough and gentle all at once.
I don’t pull away. I snuggle against him. This is exactly where I belong. “I like the sound of that.”
The claim doesn’t scare me. It settles something deep inside.
We rest, entwined. Until it’s time to go again. The second time comes slower, sweeter, and unhurried. He traces every inch of me with lips and hands, exploring, learning, savoring. I memorize him, too, matching every kiss.
By the third time, I’m exhausted, gloriously undone.
He gathers me against his side, my head on his chest. I close my eyes and let myself drift in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Peace settles over me, and I feel whole.
He runs his fingers through my hair, his voice a low rumble. “Stay. With me.”
I look up, searching his face. “I thought we already decided that.”
He smiles. “I mean, stay for good. Don’t come back here. Not ever.”
My breath catches. For good? I should be nervous. I should hesitate.
But when I picture my old life—all the cold stares, the emptiness—it feels impossible now.
This, here in his arms, is home.
I cup his cheek. “Okay.”
His eyes search mine. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. Why not?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
JACK
Packing Beth’s apartment steals half the morning, but it would’ve taken longer if Lori hadn’t shown up armed with coffee, packing tape, and her trademark bulldozing determination.
“All right, lovebirds,” she declares, clapping her hands and rubbing them together. “Let’s finish this before I start crying and make it weird.”
Beth laughs, though I hear the nerves woven through it. She’s been silent all morning, folding her old life into cardboard. I keep my focus on hauling boxes to the U-Haul, giving her space while Lori tackles the rest.
When the last box lands in the trailer, Lori plants a hand on her hip and lets out a sharp breath. “Damn. It doesn’t feel real, you actually leaving.”
Beth wipes sweat from her brow. “Yeah. I feel the same.”
Lori steps forward and takes Beth’s hands. “You sure?”
Hesitation crosses Beth’s face, but she recovers. “Yeah. I am.”
Lori nods, eyes shining. “Good. Otherwise, I’d have to talk some sense into you.”
Beth’s smile is watery but genuine. Then they hold each other tightly, clinging like they’ll never get this again.
I turn away, giving them their moment.
