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“It’s not okay,” she whispers into my chest. “I said that thing about how I have what I need, but?—”
“You don’t have to explain.”
“I—I want to… at least try. I don’t have everything I need. It hurts to say that, but that’s the truth. Sometimes I feel really lonely.”
“Phases pass,” I tell her as I rub her back.
“Gosh, I hope so.”
“We’ll both get through the rough stuff, and we’ll both be okay.”
Silence settles over us. It feels incredibly good to hug her like this. Her arms circle my waist, and our bodies fit together perfectly.
That expansive feeling in my chest happens again, only stronger this time. The ache isn’t uncomfortable. It’s just a feeling that lets me know I’m growing because I’m letting her in.
I’m letting Hazel into my heart.
The warm feeling floods me when she peels back and tilts her face up to mine. My whole body feels like it’s glowing.
“Jack, can you… would you please—” she whispers.
I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “You have to say it, Hazel,” I whisper back. I know what she wants; it’s in her eyes. “I can’t unless you ask me to.”
“Please kiss me.”
“You sure?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “Not really… so you have to do it now before I change my mind. Please.”
This invitation is all I need.
Chapter 18
Hazel
I can barely grasp what is happening.
No matter how hard I try to put up my defenses and keep Jack out, he somehow works his way back in.
Maybe it was the singing.
Or that dance party I witnessed.
Maybe it was how he spun his niece Ophelia around, and both their faces lit up with joy. And how, as I watched, I felt joy seeping into my own heart, too.
And hugging him a minute ago made me feel so safe. Like I was finally with a long-lost friend, someone I’d searched a lifetime for but had never found.
I think I just asked him to kiss me.
Did I?
It’s hard to remember clearly because now he’s lowering his face, and his lips are very close to mine.
All I can think about is how much I want this.
“I don’t want you to regret this,” he whispers into my mouth.
His breath is warm on my lips.
