Page 45 of Anteros' Return

“You still have plenty of strength in that ankle, but I meant what I said. Take it easy.”

“I will.” I slipped my legs into my sweatpants, and it felt amazing to wear something other than shorts, especially when it had been so bloody cold outside. “Thanks again, Doc.”

I left the building, slowly making my way to where Emily had parked.

“Are you okay?” She asked, holding open the door for me.

“All good.” I nodded. “Let’s get Liam for our afternoon out.”

Liam was already waiting outside with Harry when we arrived to collect him, wearing a smile so wide, you could have seen it from the moon.

He waved goodbye to Harry, and slid into the backseat.

“You excited, mate?” I asked, looking over my shoulder at him.

“So excited!” He laughed, barely controlling his happiness. “Ice cream is unlimited today, right?” Knowing there would be sweet treats at the mini golf place he shot his shot.

“That all depends on what your mum says.”

I relaxed back in the front seat, my ankle throbbing, but I was determined to spend today with them, all while trying to take it as easy as possible. Being so close to Em, it was like no years had passed. The only difference from all those years ago was the increased tension. The want and need I had for her was still just as strong, if not stronger.

My only regret was not kissing her in the doctor’s office.

Ten years ago…

After school, Em stopped in front of a lonely house on top of a hill in our town. Her face lit up the second she saw it in its dilapidated state. I couldn't see the attraction myself.

“This is the house I’d love.” She beamed. “Remember, the one I told you about that day in the library.”

“Really? But it’s a dump?” I teased, scrunching my nose up at the sight.

“Hey! Don’t call it a dump. It has character, don’t you agree?”

“No, I don’t think I do.”

She looked at me over her shoulder as I wrapped my arm around her waist, bringing her body flush to mine. “Can’t you see what I do?”

“No, baby, no I can’t.”I spun her around to face me, her excitement still present in her eyes as well as the surprise from me twisting her toward me.

“Well, I can. It tells a story. You can tell it’s seen good and bad days.”

“Definitely more bad days,” I joked as she narrowed her eyes into slits.

“Maybe so, but I don’t see those. All I see are the memories it holds, the love that was once shared within those walls and the home that could be made.”

It hit me then. A person didn’t need to be good on the outside to be seen by Emily. She’d like you for you and would always manage to see the best in you.

It was at that very moment that I fell in love with Emily Ryton. And that same exact moment that I kissed her for the first time.

I tucked a stray hair behind her ear, my movements gentle, yet a little hesitant. My thumb lingered on her cheek as I cupped her face. Emily leaned into me as if she was being pulled by an invisible thread. It was all the approval I needed from her.

As time slowed around us, her sweet, yet fresh perfume filled my senses. It was so influential that it made my chest tighten. Her eyes closed as I brought my lips to hers in a soft kiss. I didn’t want to push it. I wanted it to be perfect for her.

I pulled away ever so slightly, the warmth of her breath still lingering on my lips.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish, Ashmore,” she whispered with a hint of mischief in her voice.

I said nothing else as I pressed my lips against hers once more. There was more need and desire the second time around. I deepened the kiss, slow and unhurried, wanting to savour every second of tasting her. Her heart practically slammed against my chest as it violently pulsed against her ribcage. Her hands rested on my waist as I took full control of the moment.

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