Page 50 of Princess and Country

Jeff reached his own release and collapsed over me, clutching me against him as if he feared I’d vanish. Our tears mixed. We said nothing. This was the beginning, but it felt like the end.

Jeff’s mouth fused with mine. Our tongues entangled together in a slow dance. Saying everything we hadn’t said out loud. I anchored myself to my boyfriend, scared to walk away. Scared to let him go.

“We’ll be okay, Princess. We’ll be okay. It’s you and me.”

“It’s you and me,” I echoed. “You and me.”

Sobs rocked my body, and I focused on Jeff’s heartbeat as he loved me all over again.

Hours later, Carter picked me up, and Jeff and he stacked my luggage into the trunk of the car Riley sent. We all hugged one another. I was waiting for the excitement to kick in. It would. I knew it would. But not right now. I needed some time to grieve.

“I’ll always love you, Princess. Never forget that.” Jeff dropped a kiss on my forehead, and Carter held my hand, leading me away.

I didn’t even remember getting into the car that brought us to the airport.

I knew our lives would never be the same.

I spent the entire ride nested in my best friend’s arms, sobs rocking through me.

I couldn’t wait to chase my dreams.

But I couldn’t wait to be in Jeff’s embrace again, in the safety of his arms.

And his love.