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“Sure.” Michael stood aside and let me hurry past.
He led me into the living room and gestured toward a chair for me to sit. I shook my head and instead walked over to the fireplace. It was lit, and the flames warmed my body, sending waves of confidence floating through me.
“What are you doing here?” Michael asked softly. “I mean, I’m happy to see you, but I thought… Well, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
“Honestly, neither did I,” I said.
“Then—”
“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I made a huge mistake the other day. When you came over to explain, I should have listened to you.”
“You were upset,” Michael said with a shrug. “I understand.”
“That doesn’t make it right,” I said. “If I had known what happened, I never would have—”
“What happened?” Michael interrupted. “You mean, you know about…”
“Joshua,” I said with a nod. “I know about his accident and about your biological mom. I know everything.”
“How?” Michael blinked and took a step toward me. He searched my face, more confused than ever.
“Joshua called me to explain everything,” I said. “He told me all about the accident. He said you were at the hospital all night and that’s why you never called.”
“I was going to,” Michael said. “I had my phone out, ready to dial your number when Sheila walked up.”
I nodded. “Joshua told me about that, too.”
“I didn’t forget about you,” Michael said firmly. “I could never do that. I just… I didn’t think. I was distracted. Everything happened so fast.”
“You don’t have to explain,” I said. I hurried forward and took his hands. He looked surprised, but he didn’t pull away. “You don’t have to explain anything.”
“I’m sorry.” His voice was soft and low.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said with a laugh. “I’m the one who should apologize. I should have been there for you. I should have been the person you could talk to about this, and instead, I just pushed you away. I’m so sorry, Michael.”
“I’m just glad you’re here now,” Michael said.
His smile was weak and uncertain, but it was there. Now that I had a chance to really look at him, I saw how tired he was. His dark blue eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. There were bags beneath them, and his cheeks looked sunken. I hated myself for leaving him to deal with everything alone.
“How was it, seeing your mother?” I asked gently.
Michael sighed and led me over to the couch. We sat down together, still clinging to each other’s hands.
“It was hard,” he said. “But also kind of nice. I don’t know. We’ve talked a few times since then, but I don’t know what our relationship is right now. It’s confusing.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you,” I said.
“I missed you,” Michael said.
Our eyes met, and I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him. The second his lips touched mine, I felt my entire body melt. I sighed and sank into him, letting him wrap his arms around my waist and pull me tightly against his chest.
The kiss was slow, gentle, and soft at first. He kissed me lightly, barely teasing my tongue with his. But soon, his grip on my waist tightened, and his lips grew more insistent against mine. I was breathing heavily, my cheeks flushed with desire.
Michael pulled away just long enough to look in my eyes.
“I love you,” he said. “I should have said that sooner, but I do. I love you, Julie.”
“I love you, too.”
