Page 125 of Only Ever You

I’m holding the girl of my dreams in my arms.

I left my car at the rink so I could drive Isla home. As I accompanied her to her suite, I sent a quick text to Ash, letting him know I wouldn’t be back tonight. There’s no way I can leave her alone after what I witnessed.

“You want to eat something?” She appears in the doorway of her room, phone in hand, a towel wrapped around her head. After her shower, she changed into black shorts and a pink tee. She looks just as good as ever.

“Nah, I’m fine. You?”

She shakes her head. “Maybe just tea or soda? Or hot chocolate, if you still like it?”

“Hot chocolate would be awesome.” A thrill zips through me, making me grin. “I will never stop liking it.”

“Good to know.” She breaks into a small smile. “I’ll be back.” With that, she leaves, closing the door behind her.

While I wait, I pull off my hoodie and throw it over the back of the chair. From here, the pictures on her bookshelf catch my attention, so I pad closer.

Wearing a dark blue dress, she stands on the ice, hands lifted. The five rings to her left are blurry but still unmistakable. The image is from her time at the Olympic games.

In another one, she’s surrounded by her grandparents. Pauline and Greg stand on her right, and Nana Millie is on her left. Her Boston family. In this photo, she looks more like the girl I used to know, less muscular and with fewer curves, so I don’t think it’s very recent.

Another one is recent. I know because I’ve always listened carefully when my parents mentioned the Walker family. It’s from their trip to Germany this summer. Uncle Xander stands between Aunt Bella and Isla, Ian crouched in front of them. Cologne Cathedral towers behind them in all its glory.

The fourth picture makes me frown. Isla is wearing a white summer dress and standing on the terrace of what looks like a restaurant. String lights glow overhead, the background blurred just enough to feel warm and intimate. Elena is at her side, both women smiling.

And behind Isla, he stands, smiling. Dean.

Her back is pressed to his chest, and his arms are wrapped around her, his hands folded over hers easily, like it’s natural. She’s laughing, head tilted slightly, relaxed.

My chest tightens. I saw the Instagram post. I know they dated. But if she keeps this picture up in her room, then the relationship must have really meant something to her.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to breathe. I don’t get to be angry. I don’t get to be territorial. It’s her past. Yet, jealousy creeps in and settles in the pit of my stomach like a heavy weight.

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted a snack with your hot chocolate.” Isla’s voice rips me out of my trance. “So I brought these, just in case.”

I whirl around and find her stepping into the room carrying a tray with two steaming mugs and a pack of Oreos.

I smile despite the storm in my chest.

“Oreos are a nice addition.” I hustle over and take the tray from her, easing my way to her bed.

We settle in. Sitting across from her, I can’t help but study every detail. This feels so normal, like we haven’t spent years apart. It’s like I’ve finally found the missing piece to the LEGO set I’ve been trying to build.

My heart definitely feels whole again, so much heavier now. Loaded with emotions. For her. I don’t mind it. It’s finally the right weight.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

it was always you

MICHAEL

Nineteen years old

“We wanted to talk, and now, neither of us knows what to say,” Isla murmurs.

“Yeah, something like that.” I glance at the pictures on the shelf again. “I have a feeling I missed a lot these last few years.”

“I feel the same way. I know a little, thanks to my parents and Ian, but I always wondered if that’s really how life was going for you. Because we both know how closed off you can be sometimes.”

“True.” I take a sip of my drink, letting reality sink in without getting upset.