Page 22 of Off-Limits

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in years. "Me neither," I admit. "It was silly, all that time we wasted. We could've been doing... this." I wriggle my hips slightly, making him groan as he hardens again inside me.

"Fuck," he mutters, rolling us over so that he's on top once more. "You have no idea how many times I've fantasized about you like this."

I grin up at him, wrapping my legs around his waist. "Oh, I think I do," I tease. "But now, we don't have to just imagine it anymore."

He kisses me then, long and slow and deep, as if trying to make up for all the time we've lost. And I kiss him back just as fiercely, ready to leave the past behind us and start fresh together.

When he finally pulls away, we're both breathless and smiling like idiots. "I can't believe it took us so long to get here," I say softly, running my fingers through his hair. Everything about him feels precious in that moment.

"It's funny how sometimes, the things you think are keeping you apart are actually what bring you closer," Jake muses, pressing a kiss to my forehead before rolling onto his back again and pulling me close against his side. "We were so stupid, so blind."

"Well, we're not anymore," I say, snuggling up against him. "And that's all that matters now."

He wraps an arm around my shoulders, holding me tight as if he never wants to let me go again. "You're right," he murmurs into my hair. "All that matters is us—here, together, finally free from all the bullshit we built up in our heads."

I nod, closing my eyes and breathing him in—the scent of his soap, the faint hint of cologne, and something uniquely Jake. I never want to forget this moment or how it feels to be exactly where I'm meant to be.

Because even though it took us way too long to get here, we're finally here now—and that's all that matters.

Chapter 6

Jake

The shrill ring of my phone jolts me awake, pulling me from the most amazing dream where I was still wrapped around Mia, our bodies joined as we rode out the waves of our pleasure together.

I groggily reach for it, knocking over a half-empty bottle of water in the process. When I finally locate it buried under last night's clothes, I see Ryan's name flashing on the screen. Fuck. He always calls at the worst times.

"Morning," I grumble into the phone, trying my best to sound normal despite the fact that his little sister is currently sleeping next to me, naked and gorgeous, with her long hair splayed out across the pillow like a dark halo.

"Hey, man. Just checking in on you both," Ryan says, completely oblivious to the fact that 'both' now has an entirely different meaning than it did yesterday morning. "How's it going?"

"It's… fine," I hedge, looking down at Mia. She stirs slightly at my voice, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine. I put a finger to my lips, silencing whatever question she was about to ask.

"Just fine?" Ryan asks, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Come on, Jake. Give me something more than that."

I clear my throat, trying to think of something—anything—that doesn't involve Mia's naked body or the sound of her moans echoing through the room last night. "The house is fine," I finally say. "Mia's… adjusting to being back home."

Ryan laughs softly. "Yeah, I bet. That place always was a time capsule. Mom and Dad refuse to let go of any of it, even though most of that stuff is probably older than we are." He pauses, then adds, "How's Mia doing? Really?"

I can't help but reflect on the fact that his statement contradicts the reality that their parents threw away her stuff to turn her room into a home gym. Maybe he doesn't know about that yet. Anyway, it's of little importance.

I glance at Mia again, taking in the way her lashes cast shadows, the slight curve of her lips. She's beautiful—inside and out—and I can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her. Even though Ryan is my best friend, even though I made him that promise all those years ago…

"She's good," I say, my voice steady despite the chaos inside me. "Strong, as always."

Ryan sighs in relief on the other end of the line. "I knew she would be. But it's still hard for her, you know? Losing her job and her apartment all at once… and then that fucking piece of shit ex of hers." He pauses, as if remembering something. "Hey, did Mia ever mention that guy to you? The one who broke up with her?"

I feel Mia tense next to me, and I know she can hear every word Ryan is saying. I shake my head slightly, even though he can't see it.

"No," I lie. "She hasn't."

"Well, keep an eye out for him," Ryan warns. "He's a total douchebag. If he shows up at the house or anything—"

"I've got her, Ryan," I say, cutting him off before he can finish. My hand finds Mia's under the covers, giving it a squeeze as if to reassure her.

Ryan seems satisfied with that response. "Okay, man. Thanks for everything. I don't know what we'd do without you."

I look at Mia again, and this time, she smiles softly at me. And in that moment, I remember that even though I still have Ryan's trust—even though he still believes I'm keeping his promise—I've broken it.

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