Page 134 of Rise Above

Every time I tried to open my mouth, I faltered. Had

Talon just been appeasing our nosy friends? Did he really want to date me? What did I even have to offer in a relationship? Shaking my head, I stopped myself from delving deeper into my anxious state. I couldn’t play an 284

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imaginary game; I had to discuss this relationship thing with TJ. Otherwise, I feared it would eat away at me.

“Aife… you are fidgeting an awful lot.” Talon’s

deep, rich voice pulled me from my anxiety-riddled thoughts. “I can hear your mind racing. Talk to me, darling.”

I didn’t understand how his voice could calm me so

easily. “I’ve been thinking about what you said at the diner.”

Nodding in understanding, Talon pursed his lips. He

slowly sank onto my couch and gestured for me to follow suit. “Figured you would be bringing that one up.”

I sat on the couch, tucking my legs under my butt.

This felt like it was going to be a long conversation, like the one at the hospital. My mouth felt a little dry from my nerves.

“Darling, I thought my kiss and eating you out

made it more than obvious. I want you, and I want to be in a relationship with you.”

I let the words sink into my mind and heart. Talon

knew everything about me, things no one else knew. He had seen the deepest, ugliest, and darkest parts of me and still wanted me. It made my heart race.

“Well, I think I’d like that.” My cheeks flamed red.

Was that really the best I could come up with? Jesus, that was embarrassing.

Talon smirked. “That’s good. If it’s alright with

you, I’d like to take you on a real date. Maybe out for dinner?”

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“Sure,” I said as a smile took over my face. “Name

the time and place.”

“Tomorrow night. I’ll let you know the place later.”

He grinned at me before standing. “Sleep well, darling.”

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CHAPTER 21: FINALLY

TALON