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He pivoted to face her. “Why are you defending them? They ruined us. They told us to give our baby away. They cared more about a scandal in town than us doing the right thing by our child.”
“I know.” She walked over and touched his shoulder. “It’s just… I would love nothing more than to hear my dad’s voice again. Don’t take your parents for granted. Are they perfect? No, but I believe that most try their best.”
He reached up his hand and cupped her cheek. The tension left his body. Always looking for the best in people. That was Chantelle. “You’re incredible.”
She shivered at his touch. “Lance… I….”
“I’ve done nothing but think about you since you came back to Delta Heights. Spending time with you only reminded me of our high school days. We were inseparable. I loved you so much back then. You were a part of me. I’ve tried to move on, but... I can’t. We could both go our separate ways. I would be fine, but I want you.”
Her fingers dug into his shirt as she held him close to her.
His fingers stroked her jawline. “Tell me you feel the same way, Chantelle. If you don’t, I’ll understand, but I can’t hold it in anymore. I’ve spent most of my life keeping up appearances and trying to please people. I’m done. Tell me you still care. Tell me you—”
She kissed him, and his knees weakened. Sealing his lips with hers, Lance deepened the kiss. It had been too long since they’d kissed, but the memories flooded his mind. He held her close as she rested her head on his chest. Her hand drifted upward and cradled the back of his head.
His mind went numb. Nothing else mattered but the woman he fell in love with at eighteen. He didn’t know it then, but genuine love was at his fingertips. He surrendered to her lips. Lance held her closer as she moaned into his mouth.
Chantelle had to stay, and even if she didn’t, he would commute from Delta Heights to Chicago. After lingering a little longer against her supple mouth, they came up for air. Yet, he held her close.
“How long have you waited for that?” He asked.
“Since I left.” Her voice sounded breathy.
“From now on we tell each other everything. Agreed?”
“Then…” She straightened her body and put some space between them.
“What’s wrong?”
Her brow furrowed. “What about the article?”
“Do you want me to talk to your boss?”
She tilted her head to the side and smiled. “No, I was only asking what you want me to write.”
“Tell the truth. Andrea and I will stay friends since that’s what’s best for our relationship.” He stroked her cheek once more. “Unless you want to tell them I fell for the reporter.”
She giggled. “Don’t even joke like that. I don’t want that spreading all over social media. They’re ruthless. Can we give it some time to die down before everyone knows?”
“I promise.”
She clasped her fingers with his. “What do we do now?”
“How about… a date?” He asked.
“You mean it?” Her eyes shined.
“Why not?”
Chantelle licked her lips. “Can you promise me something else?”
“What’s that?”
“I want to take things slow. Yes, we dated before, but a lot’s changed, and we’re adults. I want to get to know you as the man you are now.”
He smiled, pressing his forehead to hers. “You’re even more beautiful now.”
She sighed. “Lance, I—”
