Page 120 of Tomorrow Belongs to Us
“Who?”
“The student whose boyfriend shot me.” He winces. “It would be a bit awkward but I could find a way for you two to talk—”
I wince on his behalf, trying to think of a situation in which he’d get his student to talk to me and tell me that nothing happened between them. I would never do such a thing because it wouldn’t be right, especially for the student. I don’t need to do that. I believe him.
“I love you, Megan. I've tried to slow down my feelings for you, but I can't. I'm in love with you, and it's new and different, andallowed.”
I hold his gaze as my heart falters on the precipice of something new and unknown. A possible future.
One man, the only man who has ever cared about me and loved me and cherished me.
I'm suddenly afraid to take the leap but Lance Turner has proved himself to me time and time again.
“I think I believe you,” I say.
“It’s not enough to think you believe me. It has to be stronger than that.”
But I do believe him now, because I believe Lesley, and things are falling in place. I remember how the other girls at school crushed on him when he was our teacher, but he always kept his distance. I'm also aware that Vivian will do whatever she can to stand in our way, but together, Lance and I can deal with her, because, when I look back on it all, Lance Turner has always been there for me.
“What about Cassie?”
He inhales a deep breath. “Cassie’s starting to see that I’m happier when I’m around you.”
“She has?”
“Enough for her to notice it. She’s seen how demanding and difficult Vivian has been, and maybe she’s picked up on how unhappy I am being back in the house. She’s seeing things she didn’t see before but also; she’s noticed how Vivian comes to life whenever Joachim is around.”
“Joachim?”
“Vivian’s new therapist—a very expensive therapist her parents are paying for. He’s been doing home visits.”
“How is she?”
“Better. Almost back to her usual self. A few more visits from Joachim and I’m sure she’ll be on form again.”
I feel sorry for him, but something else comes to mind. I remember how enthused Cassie was when we met her at the cinema. “That wasn’t a proper date, with Chris, the guy you met at the—”
“I know who you mean.”
“He’s not fitter, younger and more good looking.” Eager to assure him, I lift up on my toes and plant a kiss on his lips. It’s like a match has been lit to paper. Our kiss is hot and all-consuming. Heat rushes through me, blood charges through my veins as I feel the hard press of him against me. Our gazes hold, firm and steady. I want him, in my life, in my bed, in my future.
Many years ago this man helped me through a dark time in my life and now we get another chance to be together.
Second chances are for the taking; they're to be grabbed with both hands and never let go. I’m ready to take this chance because I’ve found the man who will always be there for me, no matter what.
Epilogue
Six weeks later ...
LANCE
Megan is doing the laundry at my place. Vivian came to pick up Cassie earlier, and now we have the place to ourselves.
I hover in the doorway admiring her in her satin shorts and tank top. Her wavy hair floats down past her shoulders, and she has her back to me which means I get to stare at her for the longest time. I thank my lucky stars for this woman who is finally in my life again. Hopefully for keeps.
As if she can feel me staring, she turns around. “What?”
“Nothing.” I raise my arms and grasp the doorjamb above my head, in an attempt to resist her, otherwise my hands will wrap around her soft, silky skin and we’ll end up in bed again.
