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“Later. Where will you live?” I hear the distant hum of life outside, but here I only hear my heart thumping with a hesitant thrill, and my mind rebelling against everything, trying to protect me.
“I was hoping with you.” He raises his eyebrows and cocks his head, pulling a slow, alluring, though shy, smile.
I gasp and step back. Not forward, I step back. What’s wrong with me?
“Chils, you once told me that not all good intentions are for the other person’s benefit. I think the opposite applies too. Not all bad decisions are meant to hurt. I made such a decision, and I hurt us both.” He lifts his foot, but then changes his mind and doesn’t step forward, just shifts his weight.
“You dropped Napoli.” I seek that one final confirmation I need. “Why?”
“That kind of work doesn’t fulfill me anymore.”
Relief rushes through me in a sound that is somewhere between a gasp and a whimper. He didn’t want to appease me, to make a gesture. He decided to change. For himself firstly. And by extension for us. If there still is an us.
“I only wish I’d realized that sooner.” He looks at me through hooded eyes, and oh, what that does to me. Clearly my body is already on board with reconciliation. My heart has never accepted the break-up. It’s my mind that requires more evidence.
Dominic continues, “I wish I understood yourultimatumfor what it was, a plea for me to realize what’s best for me. And before you ask… No, I’m not trying to find a better spot in purgatory. I’m just trying to find a better spot in this life. Chils, you’re engraved on my mind, in my heart—” he steps closer, only mere inches between us now, “—and probably even in my soul, because let me tell you, my moral score has improved doing all this selfless shit.” He gestures around us, and I try to stifle a sob.
Dominic rubs my arms with his huge hands. “Rocco teased me yesterday that I’m doing it for a woman, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that I’m not. I’m doing this because you showed me how many people benefit from small acts of kindness. But if I get my woman in the process, that would be great.”
“These are not small acts of kindness.” I sniffle, tears rolling down my cheeks.
“I was kind of hoping you would focus on the latter part of that statement.” Dominic cups my cheeks. “Chils, I used to take things for granted and they lost their value. The loss in your life taught you not to take anything for granted, and I think we can find the middle ground together.”
Our eyes lock and we still, frozen in a tender moment of finding harmony. With his thumb, he wipes away my tears. The sense of calm descends on me, and suddenly I see this relationship as any other adventure I’ve ever experienced.
Grasping at the thrill, living to its fullest, staying here and now. Grounded while spreading our wings.
I don’t have to fear the commitment, because while no one can guarantee he won’t leave me, building memories with Dominic during the time we might be given together is priceless.
It’s worth the risk. He is a force of nature who digs to unearth my joy reservoir, regardless of how deeply I try to bury it. I need this man in my life, because my life is better when he makes me laugh, annoys me, teases me… loves me.
His eyes drop to my mouth, but he doesn’t close the distance. Every fiber in my body screams with recognition, with burning desire and peaceful contentment.
“I missed you.” I want to say the other three words, but I can’t yet. And I think he understands.
Dominic crashes his lips against mine, and it hits all the marks and more. Our kiss is exploratory, as if it was our first, but also familiar, like returning home after a long time. It’s desperate with our combined longing, relief and adoration.
My face is lost in his hands as he angles me for a deeper connection, and for a brief moment I regret not having my long hair anymore. I miss those fingers in my strands, fisting and pulling.
He pulls away. “I have something for you.” Reaching into his pocket, he looks at my cleavage and frowns. “This might be pushing my luck, but I bought you this.”
He takes my hand and drops something into my palm. A chili-shaped golden pendant.
I chuckle.
“I was hoping you’d wear it on your chain, but… Where is it?”
I touch my cleavage, even though I know there is nothing there. “I took it off. Kyle will always be a memory to cherish, to ground me, to remember, but it’s time to move on.”
He seizes my mouth and I wrap my arms around his broad shoulders and whimper against his lips, satisfied and crazed for more at the same time.
I squeeze the pendant in my hand. He didn’t get me a necklace, only a pendant to add to the one I’ve been wearing. Not trying to replace my important memory, but simply add to it. I’m so overwhelmed by this consideration that I cling to him, unsure how to show my gratitude.
We can’t stop kissing, trying to make up for the lost time that we were apart. The kiss is sensual, but it’s not just foreplay, it’s so much more. It’s a seal. A confirmation of our commitment.
When we pull away for air, Dominic keeps his hands on my face, holding onto me like I could disappear.
“There are beds upstairs. Would that be inappropriate?” He grinds his hips against me, the evidence of his need bulging against my pelvis.
