Page 19 of Let it Crackle
My throat tightens. The world blurs. My name. His name. A promise in ink and plastic.
“Maddox…” I whisper.
He steps in, close enough for his warmth to chase away every cold thought that’s haunted me for days. “I went back to the library,” he says, softer now. “Had one made for you as well.”
I try to laugh, but it cracks. My hand trembles when I take the card. “You can’t just fix everything with a laminated card and a conversation.”
His palm comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing beneath my eye. “No,” he murmurs. “But maybe I can earn back a page.”
And that’s when I say it. The thing that’s been clawing its way up from my ribs all along.
“I love you too,” I whisper, tears spilling freely now. “I think I have for a long time. I just… didn’t know how to believe it could be real.”
His lips crush into mine before I can say another word.
The kiss is raw and aching and everything I never thought I’d have. It’s the apology we both needed. The forgiveness neither of us said out loud. It’s messy and tear-stained and a little salty—but it’s ours.
When he pulls back, forehead pressed to mine, I can’t stop smiling.
“Write the last chapter again,” he says. “Give them a happy ending. If you do—I’ll be here to read it. Every damn word.”
I nod, my voice barely a breath. “Only if you stay tonight.”
He grins, slow and sure. “I brought snacks. I’m not going anywhere.”
And just like that, the story isn’t over.
It’s our once upon a time.
Chapter 8
Maddox
Maya’s curled on my lap in the quiet corner of the library we’ve claimed as our own. She’s half on the armrest, half on me, wearing my fire station hoodie like it belongs to her. Her fingers are tangled in my hair, her soft little sounds getting lost in the lazy kiss that’s stretching into something deeper. Her lips brush mine again and again, like she’s memorizing every angle, every shift in breath.
I tighten my hold around her waist, dragging her in closer, needing more of her pressed against me. Her thigh slips over mine, and I groan into her mouth.
“Thought you were gonna finish editing your chapter,” I mumble against her lips, not meaning a word of it.
“I am,” she whispers, giggling as I tug her back down for another kiss. “You’re the one distracting me.”
“Can’t help it. You kiss like it’s my last day on earth.”
She smirks, glasses slipping a little. “Maybe it is. Library’s dangerous terrain. Have youseenthe book carts?”
I chuckle, the sound low and warm in my chest. She shifts slightly, and the movement sends a bolt of heat through me. My fingers skate under the hem of her sweater, just to feel the softness of her skin, the proof that she’s here. That this isn’t something I imagined on a lonely night shift.
“I like you like this,” I say, nuzzling into her neck. “Wrapped around me. Wearing my clothes. Looking like home.”
She goes still in my arms for a beat, then rests her forehead against mine. “I never thought I’d have this,” she whispers. “Not really. Someone who... stays.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I say, voice rough. “Ever.”
Her eyes search mine, and I can see the fear still tucked behind the softness—the part of her that doesn’t fully believe she’s allowed to want more.
Which is exactly why I have to say this now.
“Listen,” I begin, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I read that chapter last night. The new one. And Maya… it’s damn good. Better than good.”
