An outcome she sacrificed when she realized Edward’s true intentions. She stood up for me, asserting her loyalty and delaying her dream in the process.
What’s not to respect about that?
Dropping my forehead to hers, I whisper, “I missed you, Cupcake.”
“Did you miss me enough to give me a second chance?” she asks hopefully, her lips brushing mine as she speaks.
I want nothing more than take her lips in a possessive kiss to reclaim what’s mine. Fighting the urge, I focus on her question.
“Whatever you want. I just need you back. The last few months have been torture without you.”
Finally, I give in to my desire and lock my lips over hers in a greedy kiss. She tastes just like I remember. Sweet with a noticeable tanginess. There’s no other way to describe besides saying she tastes like Lilah.
I hug her tight to me and gaze at the remaining cars in the parking lot. It’s nearing six o’clock so it’s nearly empty.
Now that I have her back, I won’t let her escape again. We have too much time to make up for. There’s a whole other side of her I have yet to uncover and I’m looking forward to every second of it.
“Come home with me.” I speak against her hair, taking in the fruity scent that clung to my pillows long after she was gone.
Lilah peeks up at me and the hunger in her eyes catches me off guard. It’s like she transformed right before my eyes. Her desire is almost palpable and reignites something inside of me that fizzled out a long time ago.
Blood rushes to my groin.
It feels wrong to have these feelings in an elementary school parking lot and I’m more eager than ever to get her out of here and into my bed.
“Just let me cancel my plans.”
Jealousy rips through me at her words. It’s been three months. Why had I automatically assumed she hadn’t moved on?
Reading something on my face, Lilah touches my arm gently.
“Relax. My plans were with Charli. Don’t go ruining the mood with your caveman antics,” she warns playfully, putting me at ease.
After she sends the text to Charli, I grab her bags again and ask if it’s okay to leave her car here overnight. When she tells me that it’ll be fine, we get in my car and head to my house to get reacquainted.
Epilogue
LILAH
TWO MONTHS LATER
Winter in Connecticut is always a humbling experience. Between the nipple-hardening temperature and all the ice I slip on without fail, it’s a wonder I’m ever able to get in the Christmas spirit.
But I’m feeling it this year. More than usual.
School is out until January and I’ve just finished some last-minute Christmas shopping. Now, as I drive home, I tap my fingers against the steering wheel as I wait for the light to change.
I’m anxious as ever to see Andrew and kiss him under the mistletoe I just bought.
Andrew’s not big on Christmas. But with Gladys’ help I transformed his house into a winter wonderland. Even he can’t resist the merry spirit going around when his house looks like Santa’s workshop.
Parking in front of the house, I frown when I see a Bentley parked ahead of mine on the horseshoe driveway.
There’s only one person I know who owns a car like that. Grabbing my bags from the car, I hustle up the steps and unlock the door with my key.
I moved in last month after the heat in my apartment broke. Andrew had been adamant that I stay with him at least through the winter, not taking no for an answer. And of course I gave in.
Who wouldn’t want to live in the lap of luxury? If only for a few months…
In the foyer, I hear voices coming from the kitchen and my suspicions are confirmed.
Edward’s here.
With a huff, I try to hold on to the cheerful mood I had before but it’s damned hard.
Dropping my bags in the entryway, I make my way to the kitchen and see the brothers having a heated discussion over beer.
When Andrew notices me by the entrance, he gives me a smile that instantly puts me at ease.
Beckoning me to his side, he continues talking to Edward whose back is to me.
The two of them have been trying to work out their relationship recently and while I’m happy Andrew and his only sibling are communicating again, my distrust for Edward hasn’t subsided.
“Hey, Cupcake,” Andrew greets me softly, pressing a kiss against my lips. “Missed you.”
Butterflies invade my stomach and I feel like a schoolgirl caught up on her first crush. I’d only been gone for a couple of hours, but he made feel like my absence had shifted the course of his day.
It’s cheesy, but I love it.
“Hi Lilah.” Edward clears his throat behind me.
“Be nice,” Andrew mouths for my eyes only.
Turning, I give him a cordial smile.
“How’s it going, Edward?”
His typically cool, grey eyes actually hold a touch of warmth today. Edward’s answer is succinct before he glances at his watch and announces that he has somewhere else to be soon.
Left alone in the kitchen, I turn to Andrew.
“What was that about?”
Shrugging, Andrew gets down from his barstool to fetch another beer from the fridge.
“He came over to drop something off and then we ended up discussing a business opportunity.”
“Hmm, that’s nice,” I hum tactfully. Although I want to say more, I keep my thoughts to myself.
Who am I to interfere? They’re rebuilding their relationship and I’m going to stay out of it. If Andrew can forgive him for all the fucked-up shit that transpired, then I can at least try.
A month ago, our friend Natalia hosted a showing of Andrew’s artwork at her renovated warehouse gallery. Friends and family came out and supported him, including Edward, who brought
