Page 204 of Before We Were

"Shit," I mutter under my breath, forcing myself to step back just enough to put space between us, though every cell in my body screams in protest at the distance.

Nora looks utterly wrecked in the best possible way—hair mussed from my fingers, shirt slightly askew, chest rising and falling rapidly. It takes everything in me not to kiss her again. She fidgets adorably, smoothing her hair and tugging at her clothes, movements awkward and endearing. The way she won't meet my eyes sends a surge of tenderness through my chest.

"You okay?" I say softly, reaching out to tip her chin up until those green eyes, still clouded with desire, lock onto mine. I can't help but smile.

She nods quickly, but her blush deepens, spreading down her neck, and I laugh softly.

"What?"

"Nothing. You're just cute when you're flustered."

"Shut up," she laughs, swatting at my chest without any real force behind it. The sound wraps around my heart like a caress. I never knew love had a sound until I heard her laugh.

I step back reluctantly, my hands aching to pull her close again.

"We'll finish this later," I murmur, voice low enough for only her to hear.

The way her breath catches tells me everything I need to know.

Later. We both know it's inevitable.

My phone buzzes against my thigh, the vibration jarring in the charged air between us. Jay's name flashes across the screen, but I ignore it. I can't look away from her yet—the flush still painting her cheeks, lips swollen because of me.

God, she's stunning, and I'm completely fucked up because of her.

"I'll see you at home," I manage, my voice still rough with need. "I need to check if Nick needs me to stick around for a bit."

She smiles softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. My hand finds her jaw as I lean in, kissing her one last time, slowly. Her lips part beneath mine, hands gripping my waist, pulling me closer like she can't help herself.

Fuck me. Literally and figuratively because I'm about to implode.

It takes everything in me to pull back, my lips lingering a second too long. She exhales shakily, those green eyes meeting mine.

"Go," she whispers with a small laugh, the sound soft and warm. "Nick's waiting for you."

I nod, dragging a hand through my hair in an attempt to steady myself. As she heads for the door, I catch one last glimpse of her smile.

Nick is stacking boxes, his knowing smirk already in place.

"You're not exactly subtle, you know that?" he teases, his tone light but genuine.

I huff out a laugh, shaking my head as I grab a towel to busy my restless hands. The familiar motion helps ground me, even as my mind keeps drifting back to Nora.

"Yeah, yeah. You done?"

Nick nods toward a bouquet sitting on the bar—roses and something purple I can't name, wrapped in brown paper. "Just about. Got a date tonight."

"Kat?" I ask, already knowing the answer. The slight flush creeping up his neck says everything his words won't.

"I don't kiss and tell," he shoots back, though his grin betrays him. The happiness radiating off him is almost tangible. It's good to see him like this, letting someone in.

"Good luck, Romeo." I toss the towel onto the counter, my phone heavy in my pocket as Jay's missed call nags at my conscience.

"Don't need it," he says, but his smile gives away the nerves beneath his confidence.

"You need me for anything else?" I ask, already reaching for my phone. The weight of what I need to do tonight settles in my chest like lead.

Nick waves me off. "Nah, I'm good. Head out."

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