Page 30 of Only Be Mine

John’s brows lifted. “You sure?”

I nodded, because if I stayed any longer, I might do something I wouldn’t be able to undo.

He walked me out - not touching me, not pushing, just beside me, matching my pace like it was instinct.

Outside, the cold air slapped my cheeks awake.

My car was parked under a streetlight, frost already dusting the windshield.

John stopped a few feet away, hands in his jacket pockets, and for a second we just looked at each other.

The space between us hummed.

“Tomorrow,” he said softly.

I nodded. “Tomorrow.”

I turned toward my car, keys in hand, heart too loud in my ears.

“Cate,” he said.

I stopped.

When I looked back, his eyes were warmer than the streetlight.

“Can I…” He hesitated; the first real uncertainty I’d seen from him. “Can I kiss you?”

The question hit me like a hand to the chest.

Not because I didn’t want it, but because I did.

Because he asked.

Because no one ever asked.

My throat tightened. I couldn’t speak. I only nodded.

John moved slowly, like he was giving me every chance to change my mind.

When his hand lifted, it didn’t grab. It didn’t claim.

It cupped my cheek like I was something fragile.

And when he kissed me…

It wasn’t desperate.

It wasn’t drunk.

It wasn’t a bar kiss meant to lead somewhere.

It was careful, warm, and certain.

Like he was saying, I’m here. I’m not in a rush. I’m not leaving.

My hands found his jacket, gripping the fabric like I needed something to hold onto. His mouth softened against mine, and the world narrowed to the simple fact of him.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against mine.