Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
“I don't know why I'm telling you this, but I don’t want to keep it inside any longer. The last thing I want to do is have something happen to me without you knowing the truth.”
“Wow.” She releases a breath. “Why didn’t you tell me all those years ago?”
“Rejection, mostly. I was scared I’d ruin our friendship if you didn’t see me that way. There were countless times when I thought it was the perfect opportunity, but I kept chickening out. I tried during our movie nights or summers hanging out together, but I was a coward. I’d thought up so many different scenarios to say something, but I’d talk myself out of it. I was too scared of your reaction. Guess I figured it was better to have you as a friend than to potentially lose you forever.”
“Noah,” she whispers.
“I think back and wonder what would’ve happened if I had told you. Maybe my life wouldn't be like it is today. Maybe Gabe would still be alive, and I wouldn't have gone to prison. Maybe you’d be my wife, and Owen would be my son.”
Tears stream down her face as I continue.
“I blame myself and will harbor a lifetime worth of guilt. I wish I would’ve found the courage to admit how in love with you I always was. At times, you’d look at me, and I felt the chemistry between us. But we never talked about it, and I just assumed it was one-sided.”
Katie takes a step back and leans against the kitchen counter. “I-I can’t believe this…”
“I’m sor—”
“It wasn't one-sided, Noah,” she interrupts, keeping her eyes on mine. “I didn’t know how to tell you either, especially because you were older and seemed way too cool to like a girl like me. I used to dream about you making a move and kissing me. I was way too scared to say anything, or I guess, even hint I wanted you to. Then Gabe came along, and when he asked me out, you didn't say anything. I thought maybe you’d fight for me if you had liked me that way, but you approved. You seemed happy for us, so I figured you saw me like a sister. I’d convinced myself that I’d imagined you flirting with me, and it was nothing more than a stupid teenage crush.”
“I thought that’s what you wanted and was trying to be supportive. I was jealous as fuck, but as long as you were happy, I’d get over it. The truth is, I never moved on and couldn’t. Knowing Gabe had the woman of my dreams and was purposely taking you for granted made my blood boil. If you were mine, I would’ve given you the world. I would’ve been home with you when you were dealing with pregnancy sickness. It fucked me up knowing he was cheating on you.” I brush a hand through my hair, frustrated that I let so many years pass before saying anything. Shaking my head, I blow out a breath. “I should've just told you.”
Katie takes two steps forward, closing the gap between us. I tuck loose hair strands behind her ear as we gaze at each other. When she leans into my touch, I slowly inch forward and wait. Emotions soar through me as her lips seek mine, and our tongues tangle together.
I know it's wrong, but at this moment, it feels so damn right to be kissing the woman I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
KATIE
Our lips crash together, and teenage me is screaming inside. Having him like this shouldn’t feel so safe, so right, or so natural, but it does. It feels perfect.
I’m burning from the inside out as I moan and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him even closer. I’m being greedy and desperate, but I don’t give a damn. One kiss broke down barriers that have kept us apart since we were teenagers.
Noah’s hand lowers, then grips my ass. I shouldn't like this. I shouldn't enjoy tasting his lips this much. I need him more than air, but I can’t deny how the confusion hits me like a punch to the gut. I fight an internal battle with my head and my heart.
His hardness presses against my stomach, and my body wants to lose control. This time, I know the feelings are mutual. There’s no denying it.
“Fuck,” his soft lips whisper against mine. I swipe my tongue against his, deepening the kiss because he feels like home.
“Noah,” I moan when he squeezes my breast. No man has kissed me with such intensity in…well, ever. Not even Gabe, and the fact that I’m comparing the two disgusts me.
What the hell am I doing right now?
His mouth trails to my ear, and I arch my back, pushing away all the lingering thoughts in my mind.