Page 154 of Just My Type of wrong guy

He trails off, and I throw myself into him—actually, we meet halfway. The rotor noise vanishes, my heart bursts, and time stops—as if the world knows the only thing that matters now is this kiss

A.J. cradles my face and strokes it gently while our lips melt together. It’s simple, calm, and full of love and gratitude. Here, in the middle of the sky, between two states, between two pasts… we kiss like happiness lives in each other.

***

The helicopter slows and sets down softly in a clearing ringed by tall trees, lit by shy cluster lights. Outside, the whisper of wind through leaves welcomes us. When the door opens, a man steps forward—white, slightly taller than me, with a kind smile and a flashlight.

“Good evening, Ms. Saldanha,” he says, offering his hand to help me down. “I’m Mark. I’ll guide you to the sanctuary.

“Good evening, Mark. Thank you,” I reply as I touch the ground.

Knowing nothing of what this New Year’s Eve holds—because it’s not a dinner—A.J. climbs out and takes my hand, firm and warm, as the helicopter powers down and the forest’s silence envelops us. Before I can wonder why he’s brought me into the woods for New Year’s, he strokes my hand and kisses the side of my head.

“May we proceed, Mr. Fortin?” Mark asks politely. A.J. nods.

“You’re not going to tell me where we are?” I ask as we follow Mark along a discreet path through the trees.

“Patience is a virtue,” Mark calls over his shoulder, and A.J. glances at me with raised eyebrows.

We walk a few more meters on the stone trail, and I’m grateful for chunky heels. The night is cool, and in the soft breeze, I feel completely safe in A.J.’s arms.

Mark stops before a massive wooden door set in a stone archway—it looks like the entrance to a cave.

“I’ll stay here outside—if you need anything, just knock twice,” he says, kindness in his honey-colored eyes.

“Thank you, but your perfect planning so far tells me I won’t be disappointed in there,” A.J. winks at him as Mark unlocks the door.

“And you, miss, come here for a moment.”

With his hands over my eyes, A.J. builds the suspense. The massive door creaks open, and after a moment, he guides me forward.

“I’m lifting my hands—mind the light,” he warns, and when I open my eyes, it’s far brighter inside than out.

I’m standing on a natural stone floor, surrounded by glass walls revealing the forest beyond, and dozens of green lights flood my vision. It’s like an underground aquarium, but instead of water and fish, there’s verdant life everywhere. The walls pulse in emerald, moss, and translucent green hues.

“Wow, what is this place?” I ask, turning to A.J., who gently guides my face back to the glass walls—then I see the green lights flickering.

My heart stops, and a huge smile spreads across my face—those lights aren’t lights, they’re fireflies. Hundreds… maybe thousands.

They glow in their own rhythms, an organic, hypnotic show floating around us and above us.

“A firefly sanctuary,” I whisper, tears welling as my feet refuse to move.

I look back at Anthony, who’s watching me with the sweetest, goofiest smile.

“It’s beautiful…” he murmurs, stepping closer. “Just like you.”

“It’s perfect. Like you.” I wink at him, then take in the scene more calmly.

I wander around, noticing moss-clad stone walls and a floor blanketed in low vegetation and exposed roots weaving through the earth. Fireflies drift everywhere—above us, beside us—in a number I’d never imagined possible.

I let out a quiet sob and, before I can say another word, I run to A.J., who opens his arms and scoops me into his lap.

“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, A.J. I can’t believe you planned all this for me.” I smile up at the flickering lights.

“You better believe it—and this time I had no help. I organized the flight, discovered this place, convinced Mark to leave us alone here…” He smiles, sheepish, and gently sets me down like I’m made of porcelain.

“I don’t deserve all this,” I whisper. “I don’t deserve so much care, tenderness, love. I’m not putting myself down, it’s just… it’s hard knowing someone cares this much and treats the little details like they matter.”

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