Until I do.
She’s barefoot in a strappy sundress, walking along the waves. Her hair is a halo of reds and browns, loose and curling around her shoulders. She’s tanned and relaxed, totally oblivious to me staring at her. I stand there, mouth open, watching her dip her feet in the ocean.
She looks happy.
Fuck.
What do I do if she doesn’t want me here?
My heart is fucking pounding as I start towards her, dry-mouthed, unable to take my eyes off her. It feels like a million years since I saw her last and a lifetime since I had her in my arms. I need to stop acting like a goddamn pussy, and do what I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.
“Bella,” I say, finding my voice.
She turns, soft brown eyes connecting with mine. The frown on her face says it all. Suddenly, I can’t fucking breathe. I can’t do anything but stand there as her face goes through every fucking emotion…and then she says my name.
Fuck it.
I stride up, crushing her mouth to mine, and kiss her the way I should have done all those years ago. I put everything into that kiss—all my frustration, all my anger, and all my acceptance. She responds with a sigh, running her hands through my hair, and falling into my embrace, like she’s finally accepting me too.
I pull back, staring into her damp eyes. “I can’t believe…you found me. How? Why?” she breathes.
I give a shrug, nonchalant on the outside even though on the inside, I’m an emotional mess. “I’m older now,” I say with a smirk.
She laughs, lines creasing up around her beautiful brown eyes.
And it’s like…I can fucking breathe again.