I’ve already memorized every curve of her delicate lips and how they fit against mine, but I still bask in each kiss like it’s the first time. Like now, when our kiss ends, I savor it as she hides her face against my chest while she waits for her heart to recover. I can feel it beating against mine as we sway together, the sun warming our shoulders and the fragrance of burgers tingling our noses.
I can only hope I didn't just make a mistake in saying what I did, but I’d made a promise to myself once I got out of the hospital. I was no longer hiding my feelings. Whatever I felt, I shared, and whatever I needed to say, I said. Life was too short to live any other way.
Contemplating, I try to decide whether I should apologize for being so forward, but then Morgan’s feet shift just slightly and the angel in my arms tips her head up. I hold my breath, searching her expression for a hint of what she’s feeling. Though her eyes are shimmering with tears, she has the happiest smile I’ve ever seen on her lips.
Relief washes over me in an instantaneous wave. I should’ve known she would understand where I was coming from. If there’s anyone who completely gets me, it’s her. I have no idea how this connection of ours has been established so effortlessly and so quickly, but it has. I’m already beginning to wonder how I managed to survive without Morgan in my life.
“I’m excited about this too,” she answers shyly, blushing in that gorgeous way she does.
Softly, I kiss her forehead and stroke her cheek just as the man behind the counter grunts my name and pushes a tray toward us.
I grab our meal and usher her to a nearby table underneath a faded rainbow umbrella on the back patio. Our knees brush as we sit, making sparks dance across my thigh. I’ve never felt anything like this before. I’m so enraptured by her presence that I can hardly eat.
I’d never been one to believe in magic, but it’s impossible not to feel that it’s real while I’m sitting next to Morgan. Every pore on my body is tingling and every hair stands on electric edge. She, at her very essence, is my own personal angel, sent to save my soul.
I smirk with deep satisfaction watching her wolf down her burger, then lick her fingertips. When she catches me staring, she goes bright red.
“Sorry. I didn't realize how hungry I was,” she explains bashfully.
I shake my head and kiss her cheek. “Watching you eat is the only thing better than experiencing this piece of heaven on a bun for myself,” I answer, finally taking a bite of my burger and sighing deeply.
We finish our meal as the sun is slowly going down, a cool wind rippling between the city.
“My place or yours?” I ask, standing up and clearing our plates.
“Mine.”
She sinks against my side, my arm looping around her waist. Together we stroll down the sidewalk, taking our time even though her apartment is only a few blocks away. We circle around the building, once, twice, before finally coming to a stop in front of her apartment. I’m not sure why we do this every time. Maybe it’s that it’s hard to be alone in her bedroom together and not tear each other’s clothes off.
Morgan and I haven't spent a night apart since we officially started dating, but we also haven’t had sex again. We talked about it and both want to take it slow—which is easier said than done.
I still feel awful about how wasted I was the first time we were together. She deserves the best of me and that night had been anything but.
I know waiting is the right choice for now because I want it to be special this time, but damn is it hard. This is the first time that I can remember that I haven’t instantly jumped into bed with a woman I’m into—even though we’d already technically slept together.
We’re not holding off for any particular moment. We’re just waiting until it feels right.
Morgan gazes at me, the corners of her lips twitched into the most beautiful little smile and I can’t resist her for a moment longer. I scoop her into my arms, claiming her mouth with a decisive kiss that she eagerly returns. Her fingers run through my hair, a faint moan of pleasure rising through her throat.
I kiss her until I can’t breathe and then I kiss her some more, unwilling to sacrifice anything that would part me from her delicious lips.
“Will you stay again tonight?” she asks breathlessly when we finally part, her eyes glittering with uncontained excitement.
I nod. “And the day after that, and the day after that, as long you’ll have me,” I shoot back playfully, earning a giggle of delight as she hugs me tightly.
Even though this date has been simple, it’s perfect, and it’s the single best date I’ve ever gone on—though I think that about all the days we spent together.
There’s no possible way for life to get any better than it already is.
Sometimes, I suppose, things fall apart so better things can fall together.
Fate is such a curious thing. It brought us together and then ripped us apart only to reunite us again. I owe fate from the bottom of my heart for bringing Morgan into my life.
Notes begin to quietly play in the back of my mind as I ponder this, strings of words slowly coming together.
Fate would make an excellent song title. If I work hard, I could probably finish it before the big stadium show . . .
Epilogue
Morgan
Lancaster Stadium is filled to the brim with people. I’ve never seen so many cheering rock groupies in my entire life.
“Thank God Eric got us these VIP seats!” Stacy says with a laugh. “We’d be smooshed like a tin of anchovies down there.”
I nod in agreement, too excited to speak as I stare down over the heads of the crowd. We have a perfect view of the stage where Eric is going to be performing any minute. Eric was insistent that we have these special seats close to the stage. He didn't say as much, but I think it’s because he wanted to finally have his turn at providing for me and our friends in a way similar to Donovan. He doesn’t have as much money as Chloe’s boyfriend, but he has just as much heart.
Almost five weeks have passed since Eric and I officially started dating, and we have been inseparable since. We split time between his home and mine, but we are together day and night. The intimacy that we share is unexplainable. He already seems to have such a solid grasp of my heart, I feel at times like I don’t even have to say how I’m feeling, he just knows.
Chloe and Donovan stand nearby, lost in the world of each other. Though I’d been envious of them before, now I understand exactly how they must feel when they look into each other’s eyes and everything else fades to black.
“They’re so cute,” Stacy mumbles with a pout. “When will it be my turn to have something like that? Both you and Chloe have found love.”
I laugh and give her a little hug. “Don’t worry. I’m sure your time will come. You’re too amazing not to score a catch!”
She slowly smiles, hugs me back before the booth door swings open and Eric walks in, followed by his two band members. He walks directly to me as though no one else is there. Looping an arm around me, he bends me backward, planting a deep kiss on my lips.
“I needed that for good luck,” he whispers against my lips with a smirk, making me want to swoon.