Page 91 of Blinding Lights

“Do you want it to?”

“More than anything.”

“Then yes. I do. As long as we agree to be honest with each other and communicate. We’ll always be a phone call away.”

“I can do that.”

“Good.”

Her eyes sparkle with a nervous happiness while my panic subsides, allowing me to be in the moment for once.

“What happens now?” I ask, hoping Lily has all the answers.

She worries her lip, her expression pensive before shocking me with the speed at which her hands are in my hair and she’s drawing me in, pressing her lips to mine.

I groan as our mouths connect, a silent contract that we’re in this together, that we’ll do everything we can to make this work.

My hands settle on her waist, gripping tightly as I pull her into me, connecting us as closely as physically possible. Her fingers twist in the strands of hair at the back of my neck, and she sighs against my lips, drowning out the sound of my pounding heart.

The kiss is slow and explorative, but full of so much passion it feels like she’s breathing life back into me. My emotions spiral as I pour everything I have into the kiss, while taking everything she has to give until we’re both desperate for a break.

Lily grins shyly as we part, and I’m about to kiss her again when her eyes grow wide and she gasps. “Oh God. I’m so sorry. I have to pick Ava up from my parents’ house. They’re going out tonight.” She jumps up and darts around the room, switching off her computer and the lights before rushing out into the store. “I can’t believe it’s so late.”

“That’s my fault. Can I help?”

She stops abruptly, jumping when she realizes I’m right behind her. “It’s not your fault.” She shakes her head, her voice a little breathless. “I could have kept talking for hours.”

I feel the same. “Either way, please let me help.”

“No need. I’m done.” She flicks the light switch off in the main room, bathing us in the soft glow of the hallway lamp as she spins to face me. “Where are you parked? My car’s out back.”

“I’m around the front, but I’ll walk you out.”

She nods and we walk silently through the store, my mind whirring with questions. When will I see her again? How are we going to make this work? Can I be the man she deserves?

Lily holds open the back door and I’m considering asking about the weather, hoping to control the chaos inside me, when an idea comes to mind.

“Are you going out tonight?” I ask as I step outside. “You and Ava? Or are you⁠—”

“No!” Lily exclaims loudly, her eyes snapping to mine before she sucks her lips into her mouth and nods. “I mean, we’re free.” Her response is significantly less animated this time, and I hate that she’s still not entirely herself around me. I love her enthusiasm. I love her little outbursts that make her nervous, and the way she blushes when she’s a little unsure.

I love everything about her.

Fuck. Does that mean…

“Would you like to come over? We were planning a quiet night but…” She trails off with a shrug and I snap out of my daze.

“Can I take you both somewhere? Would that be okay?”

Lily’s eyes stretch open but she recovers quickly and nods. I’m sure Henley’s told her I’m not much of an organizer.

“Ava would love that.” She smiles before adding, “And so would I.”

“Great. Does five work? I’ll pick you up.”

I take a step back until a thought hits me and I panic. “Shit. Do I need a car seat?”

“You do.” Her breathtaking grin tugs at my heart, and I can see the appreciation reflected in her eyes. “How about we take my car?”