Page 102 of Last Letters to Ara
Our stolen moments here and there are everything, where we can undoubtedly feel that something shifted between us after last month. On his way between his favorite writing spot in Clearwater and meetings, he likes to drop by and leave me little gifts. Sometimes it’s a cake pop, a coffee made just how I like it, or a napkin with a little note.
The logical part of me knows that this is a crucial time in our lives, and we need to finish building ourselves before we can properly build with each other. But damn do I sometimes want to listen to the very loud,team-spontaneously-throw-me-against-a-shelfpart of me and say fuck it.
By the time I get back to the living room, I’m salivating at the breakfast spread Theo has laid across the coffee table. He brought waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, assorted danishes, fresh fruit, and there’s even whipped cream.
“What’s the special occasion?’
“I wanted to see you.” He holds out my coffee, marked extra cream, which I graciously accept. “Andtell you that we’ve completed the contracts. I’m officially signed for the series.”
I squeal, but before I can figure out an outlet for my excitement, he continues.
“There’s more.”
I dramatically sit down next to him, making sure he notices that I’m on the edge of my seat.
He smiles. “I’m going on tour to promote my book’s launch.”
I have enough of a mind to set my coffee down before wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him in for a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
He nuzzles my neck. “There’s still more.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve finished the rough draft of book two.”
“Wow.” I know that’s supposed to mean something, but the way he’s nuzzling my neck is too distracting for me to try and connect the dots.
“Which means…” His hand comes up, brushing over my cheek. “My characters are leaving me alone…for now.”
His words from last month hit me with a clang. I pull back just enough, seeing the confirmation in the way Theo nods, looking at my lips intently.
Holy shit.
His eyes have darkened to a stormy green, jaw flexing in what must be his last show of strength as he leaves the decision up to me. My mind drifts to the first time that I saw him at the airport, and what I’d assumed of him then: nothing more than a Tinder boy looking for a stray flight attendant. Over the last five months, he’s proven to be so much more.
Through TPing his father’s house and fake-dating in front of my ex, Theo has become the person I trust most in this world. Somewhere between Valentine’s Day, getting the first job I’ve ever loved, and throwing up on his bed, I started to recognize that giving my heart to him wouldn’t be so dangerous.
And last month, finally, I did.
Perhaps I gave it away long before I knew I did, but he’s held it close, guarding it from everything which could threaten it, including myself, including time, until I was ready.
The depths of his eyes meet mine, the way they’ve done a handful of times before, searching. Except this time, what he finds tells him just that.
I’m ready.
Theo doesn’t hesitate, bringing his mouth to mine. The kiss is featherlight, clearly too gentle for both of our liking as we move in unison. He twists to grab my waist just as I move to straddle him, my fingers diving into his stupidly perfect hair and pulling on the strands to bring his lips down harder on mine.
Theo groans as he slowly moves his hands to my ass and squeezes, pulling me impossibly closer. He hardens beneath me, and my hips decide to have a mind of their own as they grind down, rubbing against his length.
His hands move to my waist, dipping under my shirt, and sounds start escaping out of me. We are pouring every ounce of built-up need into this kiss. Every lick of fire which has been building in my veins finally has an outlet, and it just may burn us alive.
“Fuck.” His rough, gravelly voice somewhat muffled by my lips and my tongue sends another wave of need through me.
His hands keep making the ascent until his thumbs reach the bottom curve of my breast. I tip my head back, unable to focus on moving my lips as he rubs his thumbs back and forth, tracing the small swell. Theo takes advantage, leaning in to kiss my neck.
He pulls away and I clamp my mouth shut, stopping the complaints, when I can tell by the look on his face that he’s not done with me yet. His eyes are focused as he slowly begins to raise my shirt. Goosebumps spread over my skin as it passes my navel, the air kissing my ribs…
Knock, knock, knock.
