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“I know that because I know you. But he saw that smile on your gorgeous face directed at him, those pretty hazel eyes of yours giving him your full attention, probably changing colors like they do, and I knew how he felt.”
“How he felt?”
“Like he was the only man around,” he announced, shaking my life up.
“Bull.” I snorted. He shook his head, his eyes softer than I’d ever seen them.
“I say this respectfully, baby, you’re clueless about how addictive it can be to be on the receiving side of that attention. Watching from where I was, how he was looking at you, I knew he wasn’t just talking about your class and midterms.”
“That’s silly, he—"
“He’s into you,” Adam cut in. “And as much as it kills me, I gotta let you go on that date, or at the very least not stand in the way of you going with him.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m not my dad.”
“Honey—"
“I’m not going to trap you into being with me.”
“You’re nothing like him, Adam.”
“I know. But when it comes to you, I feel like the moment I kiss these pretty lips, that’s it, Callie.”
“That’s it?” I repeated, slightly confused.
“There’s no going back. It’s you and me from that moment on. And only you and me.”
“Hmm, you’re that serious and sure I feel the same way?”
“I’m that sure I’m going to make you fall in love with me.”
“Really? And going on a date with Trevor?”
“Will show you that you weren’t stuck with me. I didn’t trap you.”
“Honey—"
“My dad and my mom… you know their story. I’m not going to repeat the past.”
“Adam.” I blinked. “That was their story. I know that. I know that’s theirs and not ours.” Ours. Is this really happening?
“Do you want it to happen?” he asked. “I’ve told you how I feel about you, but maybe you don’t really see me as anything more than your friend.”
“Shut up,” I said softly, pressing two fingers to his lips. “I want you, too.” He kissed the pads of my fingers before pulling my hands down to our side, tangling our fingers.
“Just my body?” he asked. I snorted.
“No.” My lips twitched. “I like you. I’ve… I’ve been in love with you for a really long time, too, Adam.”
“You never said anything.” I shrugged. Adam had been vulnerable, sharing his insecurities.
“I didn’t think you could ever see me like that. Like… more than a friend. And when we got to college, I saw how the girls flocked to you.”
“Hardly,” he scoffed, shaking his head, but my brow rose in challenge.
“You know I’m right. I mean, that one girl literally offered a three-way with her friend in front of everyone.” He made a face before his brown eyes softened and he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against mine. He breathed in slowly and exhaled even slower. And I don’t think I had ever seen Adam more at peace than right there, like he could breathe easier than he had in a long time.
