oa

in fast, like it

d bruised, then the moon and s

ndows like it has something to say. Thunder rolls low and

wn blur beneath the downpour. Thank God Rhett and whoever built this place remember

was- closure of some sort. adjacent to any feelings, an a

'm longing for something I can never have again while watchin

ed, restrained, like he's holding himself back with his knuckles. I don't move right away. I can't dare look like I was

in clings to him, the scent of wet earth and whiskey following him into the room. He stands in the entry way- as the door clicks shut behind him. I hurry into the beautif

he replies. Dabbing at his shirt and pants with the towel before drying his hair. I try to look away, but I just can't make myself. "Sloane, I needed to see you." Thunder cracks over

ting. The massive room feels smaller with him in it- charged, it's almost humming

e it the storm rolled in.. drawing me back to you." His eyes lock into mind like there's a magnet in them. A force anchoring me to h

says softly. His deep voice lower than norma

ouching me, like he's afraid one wrong move will shatter something fragile. "I didn't c

s as he reaches for me, but drops his hands down and continues "I loved you when we were kids," he says. "I loved you when you

hought leaving would save us," I whisper softly. "Save you, especi

e drowned with you, any day Sloane Hart." he says quietly. "If it meant you didn't go alone.

into him- my hands fisting in his shirt, pressing my forehead to his chest as the storm rages outside th

low, "my life, my responsibilities- those weren't yours to bear." I con

aiting a decade to do it right. He tightens his grip around me. "You can need me," he

and the tension is unbearable now. No longer is he a distant memory I can't shake. But he's here in

from crying. He closes his eyes, just for a second. When he open

whispers. His eyes s

t them- every kiss we've ever had feels back in this moment. He presses forward a bit harder and I can feel his tongue reach out and touch the seam of my lips.

sive and strong- those of a man who works his ass off. His grip tightens at my waist, pulling me closer to him. He presses our bodies together, I can feel the len

linch. In that moment Rhett breaks the kiss. He rests his forehead against mine,

everything." I fixate my eyes on him "I know," I whisp

en moves down to my neck. He kisses me everywhere but where I want hi

is firm. "Because when I take you back into my bed, it won't be temporary. And I won't survive lo

he says as he turns t

, Rhett. "

warily. I sink onto the edge of the bed, lips still tingling and swollen from kisses, my heart wide open. I finger the intricate pattern on the fluffy silk duvet cover. It's

e with him. Kissing him. To realizing I may have ruined everything forever. I think to myself- this is either the moment before everything br