Landon’s hands come up, sliding around my shoulders, engulfing me in his arms. He pulls me against him.
And I let him.
How many nights I laid awake wishing he’d call, or show up on my porch, and say those two simple words. So much time has passed, yet we never had closure. We each carried our anger with us, letting it bleed into our separate lives. It spanned years, crossed state lines.
But now we’re here and he’s saying all of these words.
And if he can be adult enough to apologize, then so can I.
I lift my head, blinking up at him through blurry vision. “I’m sorry I ruined your chance at UCLA.”
“No.” He swipes at my tears with his thumb. “You were looking out for me. I’m the one who ruined my own shot. I don’t blame you. Not anymore.”
My bottom lip trembles as I stare into his familiar brown eyes. He’s being so vulnerable, so honest, it reminds me of the boy I used to know.
I clutch onto his shirt like he’s anchoring me to the present. “I only hated you because hating you was easier than missing you.”
His light-brown eyes bounce between mine. “And now?”
“Now...”
I don’t know what to feel. I’m overwhelmed and relieved at the same time. There’s still so much left to say, yet none of it seems to matter. We’re no longer those teenagers, raging against the world for the shit hands we were dealt. I have to let the anger go, once and for all.
At the very least, I have to try.
“We can finally close the door to that chapter of our lives. It’s over.”
Landon’s gaze drops to my mouth. “Over?”
I nod, afraid to utter another word.
He takes my hand and presses it against his chest. His heartbeat thrashes against my palm. “Does this feel like it’s over to you?”
I lick my lips, and his hungry eyes track the movement. I lean forward a fraction of an inch, bringing us closer.
But the quick rap on the door has both of our shoulders jerking to our ears.
Landon’s jaw works under his skin. “Gus is here.”
Realization crashes down on me. I step back, lifting my fingertips to my lips.
Oh my God.
I almost kissed Landon.
I swallow around the thick lump in my throat, moving toward the door. As I invite Gus inside, I steal one more glance at Landon.
I almost kissed him.
And he almost let me.
Fuck.
Chapter 18
Ainsley
I snapa picture of my reflection in the mirror, and send it to Ivori.
