Page 86 of Falling For Us Again

When the cab pulls up in front of Dylan’s house, my heart pounds in my chest, fear and anticipation tightening in my throat. His house is dark, save for the faint glow of a lamp in the living room.

What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if I’m too late?

I push the thoughts away and force myself out of the car, my legs feeling shaky as I make my way to the front door. The silence of the night presses in around me, the stillness amplifying the sound of my heartbeat in my ears.

I knock, the sound sharp in the quiet. There’s a long pause, and for a moment, I think maybe he’s not home. But then I hear footsteps, and the door swings open.

Dylan stands there, looking like he’s just woken up, his hair tousled and his eyes heavy with sleep. But when he sees me,his expression changes—surprise, confusion, and something else flickers across his face.

"Jenna," he says, his voice rough with sleep. "What are you doing here?”

He steps aside. “Come on in.”

I step inside, and a pit forms in my stomach. I don’t know how to start; I don't know how to explain everything that’s been swirling in my head. So, I do the only thing that feels right—I step forward and pull him into a tight hug.

For a second, he’s stiff in my arms, but then I feel him relax, his arms wrapping around me, holding me just as tightly.

We stand there in the doorway, holding each other quietly, and for the first time in weeks, I feel a sense of peace.

"I’m sorry Dylan," I whisper against his chest. "I’m so sorry for running out on you a second time." I'm sorry I let you believe that I slept with Paul. It was the only thing that I knew would keep you away.

I should have stood up to your mom. I should have stood up for us." My voice crack with unshed tears.

Dylan pulls back just enough to look at me, his eyes searching mine. "What are you saying Jenna?"

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm saying that I love you," my voice trembles as I reach out to cup his face.

"I’ve been running from it, from everything for so long, but I don't want to run anymore. I love you, Dylan, and I don’t want to lose you again."

For a moment, he just stares at me, his expression unreadable. The silence stretches between us, and my heart clenches in fear, wondering if I’ve made a mistake. But then, slowly, a smile spreads across his face, and he pulls me close, his lips brushing against my hair.

"I love you too Jenna," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. It’s been torture thinking you didn’t feel the same.”

“I was just scared. I love you so much, Dylan.” “I’ve missed out on a decade with you, and I don't want to miss out on a second more.”

He presses his lips against mine in a tender kiss. It is soft and sweet and full of warmth. We stumble our way to his room, my hands sliding into his silky hair as he brands my body with his kisses.

Our lovemaking is tender. I open myself up to him and we whisper sweet nothings to each other as we give each other the ultimate pleasure.

Afterwards we lay in bed, reveling in the afterglow. He wraps his arms around me, pressing soft kisses to my forehead.

“Jenna.”

“Yes, baby.”

He kisses my cheeks. “I’m sorry for all the ways I’ve hurt you with my actions and inactions. I should have stood up to my mother. I promise to be the kind of man that you can always depend on to be there for you and take care of you.”

I kiss his cheek. “I’m sorry for hurting you too, Dylan". I take a deep breath. "I’m so sorry that I raised my hand to you. Please forgive me. I promise that will never happen again. If anyone should know better, it’s me.”

He kisses my hand.

“ I know you are baby. And I do.

We get a second shot at love Jenna; I'm not going to let anything or anyone mess it up this time.”

We kiss again, his erection already hardening against my thighs, and I smile.

There are still things we need to figure out, conversations to be had, but at this moment, nothing else matters.

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