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“What is?”

I searched for the right words. “This is what I wanted. People who notice when I disappear. People who show up. People who need things from me and let me need things back.”

Hudson’s gaze was fixed on mine.

“A place,” I continued. “I wanted a place. I thought I had to build myself into someone impressive enough to earn one.”

“You don’t.”

“I’m starting to understand that.”

He moved closer. Only one step, yet it was enough to alter the air between us. “You already have a place,” he said.

My throat constricted. The lie rose immediately behind the longing.

You already have a place.

He believed that because he believed I belonged. He believed the wrong history, the wrong species, the wrong explanation for every strange gap in my life.

I pushed the thought away before it could ruin everything.

Not tonight.

Maybe that was cowardly. It probably was. But I had spent so long refusing myself anything that might eventually hurt. For once, I wanted to accept the good part before fear took it from me.

Hudson stopped directly in front of me, lifting his hand slowly and touching my cheek. “Is this okay?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation.

His thumb moved across my skin, brushing away another trace of flour.

I placed one hand against his chest. His heart beat hard beneath my palm. The knowledge that he was nervous too made me feel safer.

“I wanted to kiss you at the park,” he said.

“I know.”

“I wanted to kiss you during dinner.”

I laughed. “You were eating an upsetting amount of food.”

“I can multitask.” His gaze dropped to my mouth. “I want to kiss you now.”

My pulse moved everywhere at once. “Then do it.”

He leaned in slowly. He gave me every chance to change my mind.

I didn’t.

His mouth met mine with a softness that lasted only a second before the restraint between us gave way. I had expected sweetness. I hadn’t expected the immediate pull of him.

I curled my fingers into his shirt as he drew me closer, his arm wrapping around my waist. The kiss deepened, carrying every late-night conversation, every almost-touch, and every moment we’d spent pretending friendship explained the entire connection.

Hudson kissed with the same attention he gave everything else.

He noticed, adjusted. Waited for my response before asking for more.

I moved closer until no distance remained.