Page 108 of The Rookie

“Go on a little soul-searching walk?” she teases. “Was weird not to wake up next to you.”

"Something like that."

She hums, tilting her head, watching me.

And for a second, I wonder if she sees through me.

If she knows that, in my head, I’ve already given her everything.

That I don’t need a label, or a promise, or even a damn conversation about what this is.

That whatever she wants, however long she wants it—I'm in.

Because that’s what love is, isn’t it?

It’s unselfish.

And fuck, I love her.

I always have, in some way, and our chemistry has officially sealed the deal. My gut was right.

And even if she never feels the same way, even if I never get to call her mine in the way I want to, I can still be the one to help her chase her dreams. To want the best for her.

With or without me.

I guess this is life. Learning that love isn’t just some easy peaceful feeling.

Love fuckinghurts. Especially when it’s real.

So when she reaches for me, pulling me back into the sheets, pressing a slow, sleepy kiss to my lips, I let her.

I let her take from me whatever she wants, however she wants it.

And I don’t ask for anything in return.

Because I won’t mess this up by asking for more.

Even though I want to.

Fuck me, I want to.

She tugs me closer, her body still warm, soft, lazy with sleep, and for a second, I just let myself enjoy it. The way she fits against me, the way her fingers skim my jaw, trace down my chest, her touch easy, familiar, like she’s always meant to be here.

I kiss her back, slow, deliberate, even though this is dangerous.

Even though I already know I’m too far gone.

She sighs against my lips, shifting slightly, but then she winces—just barely—a small, breathy sound catching in her throat.

I freeze.

My hand tightens on her hip, my lips hovering just over hers.

“What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head, smiling slightly. “Nothing. Just…a little sore from yesterday. It’s your fault, actually. I mean, nothing you coulddoabout it. But…I might need a rest this morning.”

Something hot and primal curls in my chest at that, but I shove it down.

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