Page 96 of Capri

“Almost.” Jones reaches into his pocket, pulls out a white square, and places it on the center of the fridge. “There. Now, it’s perfect.”

#1 Teacher.Did he…? “Did you pick this out for me?” My breath gets caught in my throat.

“Nah. Bought it for Romeo. He’s got a thing for hot teachers.”

I giggle, the gesture not lost on me. “Funny thing is, you’re not wrong.” Jones laughs, and I stand in front of him, unsure of how to best articulate how much it means to me.

The smallest gestures meaneverything. Often more than the big.

“You thought of me,” I tell him, a smile cresting my lips.

Jones nods. “Are you surprised by that?”

“Not one bit,” I say honestly. “Thank you for the most thoughtful gift.”

“It’s nothing,” he says. “I know it’s nothing fancy, but it made me think of you.”

“I don’t need fancy. Just you.” That’s the most honest I’ve been about my feelings toward Jones yet.

I can tell my words cause him to stumble slightly, likely thrown off by how forward that was of me. I’ve been adamant about keeping my feelings in check, but I’m struggling more than I imagined to keep quiet about them.

Jones gives me a few seconds to take back my words. “I’m gonna kiss you now. Tell me to stop…” he murmurs quietly, the tiny closet making this moment feel that much more intimate.

He leans in, and his large hands cup my face like I’ll flee if he doesn’t hold me with everything he has.

Not a chance, Captain.

“Make it a good one.” I smile, and that’s the only confirmation he needs. Jones’ mouth meets mine, and it feels like coming home. Like waking up from a dream and finding my happiness at the end of it.

“Fuck. I missed this,” he groans. His hands sweep through my hair as his tongue collides with mine. Our kiss is needy. The intense longing has broken, and we’re finally back in sync.

My moans echo throughout the closed space, and our lips never part. Just when I think we’ll take it farther, Jones pulls away, kissing me lightly and pulling me into his chest. “God, how I’ve missed you, Capri.”

“It feels good to be missed,” I reply.

Although, I never want to be missed by him again.

* * *

“I’m impressed by you,”Jones tells me as we plop down on my bed. “I would have loved to have you as a teacher,” he says sincerely.

After finishing up in my classroom, I insisted Jones come back to my place for some celebratory beers. Everything is rearranged and ready for the new school year.

“Thanks,” I say proudly, thinking back to how great my classroom looked when we left. “I’m really proud of it. Just a little stressed, but that’s normal before the first week.”

“About what?” he asks before I run to the kitchen and grab a six-pack of beer, placing it between us. Jones smirks. “Always trying to get me drunk, sweetheart.”

I laugh, propping myself up against the soft comforter. “Hey, I’m a tired teacher who deserves this beer. However much you decide to drink is on you,” I tease him.

Jones takes the lead, twisting off our caps and handing one to me. “Cheers, then,” he says, clinking our bottles together. “Tell me what’s making you so stressed.”

I shrug, deflating a little. “I always feel like this before the year starts. The summer is such a nice break from teaching, and when it comes to an end, I almost feel depressed.” I chuckle lightly. “Feels silly to say, but this summer was a really great one.”

I don’t miss the smile of pride Jones gives me. He knows it’s because of him. Our time in Capri and the last month he’s been here.

“I get that. That’s how I felt after you left Italy. Like a lost puppy or some shit.” He laughs, and it’s full and inviting.

“The feeling was mutual.” There’s a moment of silence between us. Our time together in Capri feels sacred. Something we both clearly cherish but know is touchy to bring up now.

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