It’s wild to think that I fought this for so long.
I waited for this moment for ten years. I just didn’t know it.
I argued over and over with my friends and family that Natalie and I were just friends and were only ever going to be just friends.
I’m going to look like a fool to them, and I don’t even care. I figured it out. What’s the saying, better late than never?
I pull into the driveway of my grandmother’s house and turn off the truck.
It’s going to be impossible not touching Natalie now, but if she doesn’t want anyone to know, I have no choice but to do my best.
Neither of us moves. Instead, I rest my head on the back of the seat, slowly turning to look at her. She does the same, and my heart swells.
“What are you thinking?”
She smirks. “That it feels like we’re in high school.”
“What?” I chuckle. “How?”
She points at the house. “We just got done making out in a field, and now we’re at your grandma's house, where we’re going to act like there’s nothing between us. Knowing you,” she says, reaching out to cup my cheek, “you’re going to try to sneak kisses here and there and risk getting us caught.”
I laugh harder. She’s not wrong.
“How would you know that? Have you seen me do that with anyone?”
She shakes her head. “No. I’ve never seen you with a girlfriend, but you’re you and I’m me. It’s just a feeling I get.”
“It's just a feeling you get, huh?” I rub my chin, never taking my eyes off her.
“Yes, because I know I’ll want to do the same thing.”
I lean forward to press my lips to hers, but she holds her hand out flat to stop me. She quickly looks out the front window to see if anyone is watching. When the coast is clear, she leans in to meet me halfway.
Both of my hands hold her face as I slip my tongue inside her mouth.
Hell, I’ve never tasted someone who tastes so sweet. So addicting.
I groan and pull back.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else for a while or tell them we need to go back to Wind Valley.”
Natalie laughs deeply and loud, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever heard.
“Now you really make me feel like we're in high school. You can have a little control for one more night. Tomorrow, we’ll head back home and, well, I’m not sure what happens then, but inside your house, there will be a lot less for us to hide.”
“You always were the smarter one,” I say, the way I’ve said it for years and years.
“I think after the last couple of hours, that statement could be questionable.”
“Not a chance.” I watch her get out of the truck.
I meet her around the front, and as if my body can’t be near her without touching, I reach for her hand. She shoves me off the sidewalk. I almost trip into the grass, but it’s worth it because of her laughter.
Will that sound ever get old?
“It’s been thirty seconds, Tobias.”
“I can’t help it,” I say as we reach the door. “I have a decade to make up for, and I don’t want to waste another moment.”
