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“Why did you end it?”
My stomach clenched. I knew it was coming, but I didn’t want to answer it. I couldn’t answer it. How could I tell him the truth? I didn’t know what was happening here. There was a warmth to him I’d rarely seen, and it made me equal parts comfortable and uncomfortable.
Comfortable because it felt like I was supposed to be here, seeing this side of him, hearing this tone of his voice.
Uncomfortable because I wanted to run a million miles away.
It felt like we were at a line. One that, if crossed, we could never come back from.
That scared me.
Why did I end it?
Because my feelings scared me.
Because it was easier than being honest.
Because nothing was more terrifying than telling him how I truly felt.
Because it’s always, always easier to run, even when it’s the wrong decision.
“Because,” I answered.
That was it. That was my answer. That was the only thing that came out of my mouth.
Whatever I expected, it wasn’t for him to laugh.
I looked up. He rubbed his hand down his face while he shook his head.
“Jesus, I’m never going to live this down.”
“Live what down?”
“My sister was right. We don’t talk. All this could have been avoided if we’d just gotten our shit together and talked.”
“Probably a few wars that could have been sorted that way,” I muttered.
He walked to the island and flattened his hands on the counter, leaning forward just enough that I had to tilt my head back to look at him. “Tori,” he said quietly, eyes fixed on mine. “I hate it when you date other guys. I hate seeing it. I hate hearing about it. Just the thought of it drives me fucking insane. I don’t want to sit and watch you on a date with some other guy when the only person you should be with is me.”
What?
Did he just—
What was he saying?
“What?” I whispered, relaxing my hold on my mug.
“I hate that for the last couple of months I’ve had to bicker with you around our friends instead of just walking up to you and kissing you. I hate that we’ve had to sneak around. I hate that this conversation is happening now and not when it should have weeks ago.”
The hairs on my arms all stood up. “What conversation?”
He pushed off the island and walked to me. His hands were warm and strong as they wrapped around mine and pulled me to my feet, and he released my hands to cup my face.
“Tori, I am the closest thing to in love I have been for a very, very long time. And it’s with you.”
I couldn’t process his words in time before he kissed me.
It was warm and soft, yet firm at the very same time. Like he was using this kiss to seal his words, and I couldn’t help but think that this was the first time he’d ever really kissed me.
We’d kissed a thousand times, but not like this.
I felt this one in my bones.
All the way down to my tiptoes.
“If you want to punch me, do it now. The adrenaline is pumping and it won’t hurt so much,” he murmured with his lips hovering so close to mine that they brushed every time he formed words.
I didn’t say anything.
I couldn’t.
I think I was in shock.
He… He was in love with me? Or basically in love with me? That didn’t make any sense. How could he be in love with me?
I was basically in love with him.
Were we both really so dense we’d never noticed the other had feelings?
Yes.
Apparently, yes was the answer.
“I’m not going to punch you,” I said softly.
“You’re not? Color me surprised.”
I fought back a smile. “I’m not.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head against his chest. He hesitated for a moment before circling my shoulders with his arms, bringing one hand up to cup the back of my head.
His heart was pounding. It was positively thundering against his ribs, and I closed my eyes to let that soak in.
To just feel it happening.
“I thought you hated cuddling.” Colton’s lips were on top of my head, muffling his voice.
I smiled, opening my eyes. “I don’t hate cuddling.”
“You never let me cuddle you before.”
He was right. I hadn’t. There were so many different types of embraces, and to me, there was an innate intimacy in cuddling with someone you had feelings for.
Not to mention science had proven cuddling to release endorphins.
“I know,” I replied, tightening my grip on him slightly. “But I want to now.”
“Nothing to do with the fact I just told you I’m pretty much in love with you, is it?”
I shook my head. “Not at all.”
He dipped his head so his lips brushed my forehead. “Victoria. Does that mean you feel the same?”
I cleared my throat and released my grip on him, then put my finger and thumb together in front of me. “Little bit.”
