Page 114 of Crease Collision

I lean in until our foreheads touch. “I’m so sorry. For everything.”

“Shh. You said that already.” He lifts his free hand to cup my cheek. “We have now. That’s what matters. We’ll work the rest out.”

I press my lips to his, and when he kisses me back, the tension in my stomach releases.

When we break for air, I lean into him and say it again. “I love you, Ozzy.”

“Good,” he whispers, then kisses my forehead.

My knee starts bouncing because of another question skating around in my head. “I don’t want to sound like a high school kid, but does this mean we officially get to be boyfriends now?”

“Oh, baby. To me, we’ve been boyfriends since last summer. Glad you finally caught up.”

I laugh out of pure relief, and when his eyes crinkle at the corners, I can’t resist kissing him again. It’s different this time, softer and deeper. His lips settle something deep inside me.

When we pull apart, he whispers, “We will be okay. No more glass between us.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

OSKAR

Dawn slips through the blinds, casting gentle rays of light across Kai’s face. I’ve been awake for a while, watching him sleep. He’s on his back with the sheet gathered at his waist. The steady rise and fall of his chest is a rhythm I could lose myself in. I don’t want to wake him, so I hold a finger barely above his skin and trace his strong shoulders, powerful chest, and abs that are better than any I’ll ever have.

His eyes flutter open after a while. For a second, there’s the same uncertainty I’ve noticed before. Then recognition dawns, and a slow smile spreads across his face.

“Morning.” His voice is rough with sleep.

“Morning, baby.” I push up on an elbow and lean over to kiss him. “How did you sleep?”

He stretches, and the way his back arches sends a surge of heat through me.

“Better than I have in months.” His eyes meet mine, and I notice something different. There’s still vulnerability, but now it’s mixed with trust.

We turn onto our sides, and after a morning kiss, Kai asks, “What happens now?”

I comb my fingers through his hair. “Whatever we want to happen.”

“No. I mean how we’ll do this. Rules and boundaries.”

“What are you thinking?” I ask, still afraid of scaring him away.

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts. “First, I won’t disappear anymore. Physically or emotionally. If I’m struggling, I tell you. And if you’re having a hard time⁠—”

“I’ll let you know,” I say. “And we’ll talk about things instead of shutting down. Also, we check in every day, even when we’re on the road. People who love each other shouldn’t go for days with no contact.”

He nods, rustling the pillowcase. “Promise. And unless something really unusual is going on, it should be more than a quick text.”

“Deal.” I kiss his forehead, a little nervous about my next question. “What about… other people? I know open relationships are a thing, but⁠—”

“I can’t do that. I don’t want anyone else.” He swallows hard. “Do you? Is that why you asked?”

“Never. It wouldn’t work for me, either. You’re all I need.”

He moves closer until our chests touch. Our hearts are beating only inches apart.

“Privacy?” he asks. “Sometimes I need to be alone. You know, to reset. But it’s not about pushing you away.”

“I understand. I’m a Swede, so I know how important quiet time is. As long as it’s about looking after ourselves and not avoiding each other, I’m fine with it.”