Page 154 of After All This Time

"Fuck it," I whisper into the emptiness of the apartment.

I'm moving before I can think, tearing out of the apartment and down the stairs like a man possessed, praying to whatever's listening that she hasn't gone yet. I need her to still be here.

When I burst through the foyer doors, she's already sliding into the car, the door slamming shut like the final nail in my coffin. Panic settles in as I sprint down the street, her name tearing from my throat in a sound I barely recognize as my own. The car starts pullingaway, and I stop in the middle of the street, looking like a fucking madman, running shaky hands through my hair as I watch the distance grow between us, taking everything that matters with it.

Just when I think I've lost my chance—just when I'm ready to accept that I've fucked up due to being afraid to say three simple words—the car stops.

Amelia steps out and turns toward me. She doesn't hesitate—neither of us does. We move like we're being pulled by something bigger than ourselves, both picking up speed until we're running. Then she's in my arms, her body crashing into mine, fingers digging into my back as our lips collide. It's not just a kiss. It's a beginning and an ending all at once.

"I love you," I gasp, pulling back between frantic, messy, soul-deep kisses. "I fucking love you, Firefly."

Her forehead presses against mine, and I close my eyes, holding onto this moment like it's all I'll ever have.

"I love you, Tobias. I don't want to leave you. I don't."

I kiss her again, harder this time, not giving a shit about who's watching. Let them. Let the whole world see. Right now, it's just us—only ever us. The world could burn, and I wouldn't even notice.

"If you need me, call me, and I'll be there."I breathe against her lips.

"I always need you."

"Then always call me."

"I love you."

"Say it again." Because once isn't enough. A thousand times wouldn't be enough.

"I love you,"she whispers, and it sounds even truer than the first time.

"I should've told you last night. I should've told you the second I knew."

"I held back too."

"We're stupid, right?"

"So stupid."She chuckles softly, and I hear the relief in her voice, the way those three words have finally set us free.

Her hands cradle my face, pulling me into another all-consuming kiss. I take it from her greedily, like it's the oxygen I've been starving for. My arms wrap around her, holding her so close I can feel the frantic rhythm of her heartbeat against mine.

"You better go…" I whisper, my voice cracking as I pull back, my eyes staying shut because I don’t want to watch her walk away.

"Look at me, baby."Her voice is soft but firm, and when I force my eyes open, she places her hand over the rose tattoo on my heart. "This is where I want to be.This is where I'll stay while I'm gone."

She takes a step back, her eyes as glassy as mine, and turns her face toward the car.

"Gobefore you're so late they make you fly,"I say, forcing a smile.

Every step she takes feels like she's taking a piece of me with her, but I don't stop her. She climbs into the car, and as Logan drives away, I stand there, unmoving, watching until the car disappears. Only then do I let myself breathe again, though it feels like she's taken half my fucking lungs with her.

She's coming back.

I let out a shaky breath, only then realizing I'm standing in the middle of the street like some lunatic who just escaped an institution—barefoot, shirtless, with just black sweatpants riding low on my hips. My chest is still heaving,adrenaline buzzesunder my skin, and I can't decide if it's the confession or the absence of her that's making it worse.

"Tobias?" Relief washes over me as I turn, finding Tessa standingbehind me."What are you doing out here?" she asks, her brow furrowing as her gaze sweeps over my half-dressed state.

"Just telling Amelia that I love her."

Her eyes widen slightly, a smile tugging at her lips. "You did?"

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