My heart thumps. I love you. I squeeze my eyes shut. How long have I wanted to hear those words from him? Longer than I may care to admit. Ten years long. His anguished expression from tonight plays behind my lids. In it, I see the shadow of every glance he gave me over the years. What if he really
MichaelIt’s too fucking early for someone to be knocking. I’m only halfway through shaving, and I have a towel wrapped around my waist. There’s a persistent ache behind my right temple, and the best I can hope for today is to be numb to the world.I wrench open the front door to Mallory’s surprised
LillyWhere is the damn email? I check again. I’m curled on the impossibly comfortable couch this morning, under a wool throw, anxiously refreshing my email, checking my texts, texting Mallory, and then checking my email again. I’m wearing Michael’s sweatshirt, like I have since I got back from Mont
“What do you mean? He has friends, doesn’t he? Girlfriends?”George shakes their head. “To my knowledge, you’re the only woman in his phone, other than his mother.”My whole body is clenched. “Not even Amora?”“Why would Amora be in his personal phone?” They finally stop typing and look up at me, th
She colors. “Apologies, I’m thrilled Michael is buying it. I feel like I’m really putting my foot in things today. I’ll leave you alone with the paperwork. I have the cashier’s check and the wire instructions for the remaining amount.” I’m unable to respond, and she gets up, shutting the rickety doo
His long legs are nearly brushing mine. My hand on the wood is so close to his.“I gave you a piece of my family.” His eyes are serious.“I can’t accept it.”His mouth turns down. “You signed, right?”I nod, and he looks pleased.“Then there’s nothing you can do. The cottage is yours and the deed fo
MichaelThe breathy sigh of happiness that Lilly makes into my mouth as she kisses me again fills a hole inside me that I didn’t know existed. She loves me.“Come home with me.” My words spill out. I need her.“Okay.” She brushes her lips against mine again.“Never leave. Stay with me forever.”She
LillyI wake to strong arms scooping me out of the bed. I press my cheek into Michael’s chest and breathe in his scent. Faint cologne, warm skin, coffee.Coffee.“Where are we going?” I mumble as he moves through the house.“You said you wanted to take sunrise photos on Christmas morning.” His voice