Page 101 of Relapse

Why was my body and mind deciding now to assault me with this paranoia? It had only been a week since I had seen her—hadn’t it?

What could have possibly changed during that time?

It seemed like hours that we stared at each other blankly. Then, the biggest, most beautiful smile spread across her face.

Warmth flushed through my entire being. Was that air rushing into my lungs? I could feel the stress melt away from my shoulders, my whole body feeling utter relief at that simple action she had graced me with.

And yet, I still could not move.

Slowly she waved, as if not knowing what else to do.

The distance along the walkway seemed like miles. Finally, I couldn’t take it. The space. Everything. I loped forward, my happiness bounding. She threw her head back in laughter before jogging toward me as well.

As we grew close, my arms shot out and I grabbed her, lifting her into the air before crushing her into my chest. I faltered, sudden pain jolting up my ribcage. But she didn’t notice. She laughed giddily, her arms encircling around my shoulders, hanging on as if my imbalance were just part of the ride.

I steadied myself through the aching, resting my forehead against the top of her head and breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. I’d missed it more than I realized. It was intoxicating. Just like the feel of her between my arms.

Her laughter softened, her cheek brushing mine for a moment.

We didn’t need to say anything. We just stayed there, holding each other.

I never wanted to let go. Delane grounded me. More than anyone. And in her arms, I felt more secure than I ever had before in my life. There was something so peaceful about it, clutching her close to my chest. Feeling her heart beat. Hearing the wind kick up around us as we stood together. I wished my mind could live in this peace. Or maybe internalize moments like this for when I felt lost—buried.

Eventually, she spoke first, breaking the silence.

“Noah,” she sighed softly. “I’ve missed you.”

“What?” I said with my best fake shock, pulling back to look at her. “But it was only a week, right, Delane?”

“Shut up,” she murmured, laughing quietly. “You know you missed me too.”

“That’s true.” I whispered.

She looked up at me, the breeze lifting strands of her hair across her face in a way that made me smile. She was so beautiful, so natural, and she didn’t even understand that. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking at that moment, but my mind kept drifting back to her—especially the memory of our last kiss. I’d been replaying it more than I cared to admit, wanting to feel that closeness again. And something in the way she held my gaze made me think she felt it too.

Her eyes fluttered and my hand found its way to her cheek, cupping it gently, and easing her closer. She didn’t resist.

“It’s been too long,” I murmured.

“Couldn’t agree more,” she breathed.

I leaned in.

“Well, now this is very cute and all, but can you two hurry up? Delane, we’re late!”

I halted. Delane groaned.

My gaze drifted past Delane to the car just as a tumble of blonde hair spilled out the lowered window, followed by a set of perfectly manicured claws that tapped against the side. Chelsea, sunglasses on and still staring at her phone, managed a casual wave in my direction.

“Hello, Chelsea,” I said with a roll of my eyes. Moment lost.

“Hey there, Nooooaaah,” she drawled, stretching my name like she was talking to a child. She slid her sunglasses down her nose to get a better look at me, smirked, then flicked her gaze to Delane, who was practically simmering. “Come onnnn,” she huffed, as if we were the ones holding everything up.

Delane turned on her. “I’m in the middle of something, Chels. Do you have to ruin everything?”

Chelsea threw her hands up. “Oh, don’t let me stop you. It was just getting a little stuffy in the car. Go ahead and finish up, I won’t watch.”

The blond studied her nails.