“What’s going on?” She asked. “Why did youwant to meet here?”
“I have some… news and I could only tell youin person,” he said.
She shrugged. “What?”
“The wedding’s off.”
Her mouth fell open. “What? Why? Whathappened?”
“Andrea and I decided we shouldn’t getmarried. We realize that even though we love each other, it wouldbe a mistake.”
Chantelle shook her head slightly. “I can’tbelieve this. Was it something I—”
“It was a mutual decision.” Lance couldn’thelp but grin. Chantelle was gorgeous in the moonlight.
She shifted from one foot to the other. “Idon’t mean to sound selfish, but what am I supposed to tell myboss? The public is expecting you to get married.”
“Tell them the wedding’s off.” Simpleenough.
She cupped her forehead. “I don’t get it. Youtwo were fine during the interview. At least until I… I’m sorryabout that.”
“No, I should have told her everythingsooner.” Lance inched closer.
“Why didn’t you?”
“Chantelle when we broke up, I didn’t knowwhat to do. I felt guilty for the way I acted and the things Isaid, and I should have called you. It was stupid.”
She sighed. “I almost stopped by your houseon the way to college.”
“You did?”
She bobbed her head.
Lance’s stomach burned. “If I had stepped upback then, maybe we wouldn’t be here. Maybe we would have beencelebrating ten years of marriage.”
“Lance, it’s okay,” Chantelle said. “We madea mistake.”
“No, it’s not.” He stepped away, hearing thegravel crunch underneath his shoes. “Ever since my sister died, myparents have been interfering in my life. I should've stopped them.I’ve lived with that regret for years.”
“I know they love you.”
He pivoted to face her. “Why are youdefending them? They ruined us. They told us to give our baby away.They cared more about a scandal in town than us doing the rightthing by our child.”
“I know.” She walked over and touched hisshoulder. “It’s just… I would love nothing more than to hear mydad’s voice again. Don’t take your parents for granted. Are theyperfect? No, but I believe that most try their best.”
He reached up his hand and cupped her cheek.The tension left his body. Always looking for the best in people.That was Chantelle. “You’re incredible.”
She shivered at his touch. “Lance… I….”
“I’ve done nothing but think about you sinceyou came back to Delta Heights. Spending time with you onlyreminded me of our high school days. We were inseparable. I lovedyou so much back then. You were a part of me. I’ve tried to moveon, but... I can’t. We could both go our separate ways. I would befine, but I want you.”
Her fingers dug into his shirt as she heldhim close to her.
His fingers stroked her jawline. “Tell me youfeel the same way, Chantelle. If you don’t, I’ll understand, but Ican’t hold it in anymore. I’ve spent most of my life keeping upappearances and trying to please people. I’m done. Tell me youstill care. Tell me you—”
She kissed him, and his knees weakened.Sealing his lips with hers, Lance deepened the kiss. It had beentoo long since they’d kissed, but the memories flooded his mind. Heheld her close as she rested her head on his chest. Her handdrifted upward and cradled the back of his head.
His mind went numb. Nothing else mattered butthe woman he fell in love with at eighteen. He didn’t know it then,but genuine love was at his fingertips. He surrendered to her lips.Lance held her closer as she moaned into his mouth.
Chantelle had to stay, and even if shedidn’t, he would commute from Delta Heights to Chicago. Afterlingering a little longer against her supple mouth, they came upfor air. Yet, he held her close.
“How long have you waited for that?” Heasked.
“Since I left.” Her voice soundedbreathy.
“From now on we tell each other everything.Agreed?”
“Then…” She straightened her body and putsome space between them.
“What’s wrong?”
Her brow furrowed. “What about thearticle?”
“Do you want me to talk to your boss?”
She tilted her head to the side and smiled.“No, I was only asking what you want me to write.”
“Tell the truth. Andrea and I will stayfriends since that’s what’s best for our relationship.” He strokedher cheek once more. “Unless you want to tell them I fell for thereporter.”
She giggled. “Don’t even joke like that. Idon’t want that spreading all over social media. They’re ruthless.Can we give it some time to die down before everyone knows?”
“I promise.”
She clasped her fingers with his. “What do wedo now?”
“How about… a date?” He asked.
“You mean it?” Her eyes shined.
“Why not?”
Chantelle licked her lips. “Can you promiseme something else?”
“What’s that?”
“I want to take things slow. Yes, we datedbefore, but a lot’s changed, and we’re adults. I want to get toknow you as the man you are now.”
He smiled, pressing his forehead to hers.“You’re even more beautiful now.”
She sighed. “Lance, I—”
“Let me finish. You’re much more than yourlooks. I’ve always loved your kindness towards others. I’ll neverforget the times you volunteered in the community or sat amongorphaned puppies at dog shelters. If people only see the surface,they’re missing the real you.”
She cradled his face in her hands and kissedhis lips. Lance splayed his hands across her back, never wanting tobe this far away from her again. Their scintillating kiss sentsensations up his legs.
He leaned in closer, peppering her mouth withmore kisses. She gasped and only wrapped her arms around his neck.He focused on the sweet depths of her mouth. It was warm andwilling.
Ten years without her might as well have beenan eternity. How did he manage this long without her? Raking hisfingers through her hair, he kissed her for all the years theymissed. Pressing his mouth to hers, all the muscles in his bodyloosened. Chantelle brought relief. She brought a wave ofpeace.
Concerns and worries faded away. Everythingmade sense. Warmth infused his body as she kissed him back. Hermouth nipped at his, and by the time they stopped, he wasbreathless.
Chantelle sighed. “I don’t remember youkissing me like that in high school.”
He chuckled. “You said you wanted to get toknow me as a man.”
She giggled and kissed him again.
Chapter 24
“Lance, what are you doing?” Chantelle askedas her
