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Margo steps back, setting her hands on her hips. “Well, I’ll leave you two to figure that out. I’m gonna go inside and get a latte. I’ll see you later, Kaitlyn.”
We watch her go before turning back to each other. I step closer, lifting my hand to brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’ve missed you,” I say, my voice barely a whisper.
She swallows, her gaze still locked on mine. Her mouth opens slightly, and she closes the distance between even more. “I’ve missed you too,” she murmurs, her breath tickling my skin.
“I want you to know,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “You belong with me.”
Kaitlyn looks up at me, her eyes wide, and slowly nods her head. “Yes, Elliott, I do.”
Neither of us speaks as I make those last couple of inches of separation disappear. Not even a piece of paper could fit between our bodies.
The air around us is charged with emotion; it feels like we’re in our own little world.
“Elliott,” she says softly. “I’m sorry I stopped texting you. The longer I waited, the harder it got.”
“It’s okay,” I say. “I understand.”
“It had nothing to do with you. I was scared. We come from different worlds. How can I fit into yours?”
“You fit in just fine, Kaitlyn. But what’s more important is that you fit me.”
Kaitlyn stares up at me in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. “You really think so?”
I smile and give her hands a light squeeze. “Yes, Kaitlyn. I do. You fit me perfectly.”
Oblivious to the people walking around us and the traffic on the street next to us, she slides her arms around my waist and hold on tight like she never wants to let go.
I wrap my arms around her shoulders and hold her just as tight, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair as we stand there in silence for I don’t know how long.
I lean down slowly, afraid that if I rush, it will break the spell we’re under. Our lips meet in a kiss that instantly deepens into something more passionate. The world melts away until all that matters is the two of us, together at last.
I feel like I’m home at last. “I love you, Kaitlyn.”
Kaitlyn pulls back, looks up, and smiles, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I love you too, Elliott.”
Chapter10
Kaitlyn
Thanks to the handsome man sitting next to me, his fingers entwined with mine, I can ignore the buzzing of gossip that followed us into the church. I barely take notice as the ceremony flies by.
When I first returned home, I never imagined that Brandon and Tiffany’s wedding would have been postponed. My escape to New York was to avoid being in town for the wedding and all the rumors surrounding it. Although everyone else relished a front-seat view to my embarrassment, I had no desire to watch as my ex-boyfriend marry my ex-best friend. The hurt, the betrayal—it was all too much. Winning that money, though I needed to save it more than I needed to spend it, came at the best possible time.
As Brandon says his vows, my heart aches a little. Even though our relationship is over, deep down, I want the best for him and Tiffany. I can admit that now.
I glance over at Tiffany, somebody I played dolls with, had sleepovers with, and shared secrets about boys with—it seemed like such a long time ago that we were best friends. It feels like a lifetime ago since we exchanged Christmas gifts or stayed up late to watch scary movies on TV talking about our dreams until the early morning hours.
When I hear their promises to each other, I hope that one day she and I will find a way to be friends again. Despite everything, she still holds a special place in my heart.
But when I turn my head and look at Elliott, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy. His whole attention is on me, and only me. He lifts our joined hands and presses his lips to my knuckles. Then he winks, instantly erasing any discomfort I may have been holding onto.
I can’t tear my gaze away as he looks into my eyes like he knows every thought running through my mind. He smiles softly and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
Despite the performance unfolding before us, he brings a sense of calm that relaxes me in ways I didn’t know were possible. With him by my side, I feel safe, secure, and cared for; the pain from the past fades away as if it never existed.
Over dinner and drinks, while the married couple shares stories I don’t want to know about, Elliott sits beside me, his arm around the back of my chair, his fingers dancing along my neckline, teasing my hair. He leans in and whispers naughty words in my ears. We even sneak out to fool around in the coat room. I want to say it was all him, but I’m pretty sure I’m the one who put the idea in his head. All I can think about is how lucky I am to have found such a fantastic man who makes me feel appreciated.
After the ceremony, we walk arm in arm toward the limo, leaving all the gossip and drama behind. I can feel the other guests’ eyes on us as we make our way to the car, thinking it must be for the newly married couple. I can’t help but chuckle at their surprise when they discover otherwise. Elliott has gone out of his way to makemefeel special today.
