Page 221 of That Rush

“I won’t ask you to prove it.”

“And you’ll ask before clearing another closet?”

“I’ll submit a formal request.”

“Typed?”

“Signed and dated.”

“Then I’ll consider it within six to eight weeks.”

His laugh is low and rough, breaking on an emotion neither of us can hide anymore.

“I love you, Paige.”

The words land without a plan attached. No expectation. No future I have to accept before I can hold them.

I step closer. “I love you too.”

Aiden closes his eyes briefly, then brings my knuckles to his mouth. The kiss is soft, restrained, and devastating.

“I still want forever,” he says. “I want years of Fridays. I want you beside me when Josie grows up, and I want to know every version of you that comes next. You don’t have to promise all of it tonight.”

“What are you asking for?”

“Only what you’re freely giving me. You, me, Josie, and a future we keep discussing before either of us starts assigning furniture.”

“Good answer.”

“It took an expensive renovation to get there.”

I look around the room he changed because he finally heard me, then back at the man who would let forever arrive one choice at a time.

I cross to the private entrance. Aiden watches me close the door.

Then I turn the lock with both of us inside.

His eyes move from the locked door to me. He has spent the entire evening holding himself back and letting me choose how close he comes.

I’m done with distance.

“Stay there,” I say.

His eyebrows lift. “Bossy.”

“You like me bossy.”

“I fucking love you bossy.”

I walk toward him. His hands curl at his sides, but he doesn’t reach for me. Even now, after everything we’ve said, he’s waiting.

When I reach him, I slide my palms beneath his jacket and push it from his shoulders. Then I open his shirt one button at a time.

He remains completely still until I take his hands and place them on my waist.

“You can touch me now.”

His fingers tighten as I kiss him.