Page 26 of Unmasking Secrets
“I thought you were too good for me.” I admit and prop myself up on my elbow. “What would you have done, Tab? No more secrets.”
She covers her eyes and shakes her head. “Archie.”
“Tell me.” I scoot a little closer. “No. More. Secrets.”
She groans and props herself up. “No more secrets?” I nod. “I would’ve kissed you back. I would’ve told you I wanted you to be my first. I would’ve told you I fucking loved you. I always have and always will. You were my everything, and it hurt to see you with other girls.” Her chest rises and falls with every breath.
“I didn’t know.” Fuck! Why didn’t either of us say anything? “Too bad we don’t have a time machine.” I chuckle, trying to make light of the situation. I refuse to believe it’s too late.
Tabitha rolls over and looks back up at the ceiling. “Time doesn’t work like that.” She laughs. “You know, there were times growing up when I thought you might make a move. Or tell me my feelings weren’t one-sided.”
“I screwed up.” I shake my head.
There were times I teased and flirted with the edge, just to see if she would say something or do something. Clearly, she was waiting for me to make the first move. Officially.
“Life moves on, though.” She admits as she turns to face me. “Life happens. Too late to change the past.”
“Is it?” My eyes search hers. “Now, I know the truth.” I lift my hand to brush her hair behind her ear. “You were always mine.”
I slide my hand behind her head and pull her close. I can’t let another second go by without her knowing or questioning things. I have to know what it feels like to have my lips pressed to hers.
Tabitha is right; we can’t change the past. I’ve always regretted not making a move when we were younger. I thought I was too late. Now, I refuse to let more time pass us by with more regrets. Maybe this is our second chance.
I’m torn between wanting to devour her and take my time—I choose the latter. I reach out to cup her face. My thumb brushes back, then forward, along her jaw. Her eyes search mine, and her lips part. I run my thumb over her lips. So soft and plush.
What if I kiss her and it’s all in my head?
“Arch,” she whispers.
What if I kiss her and can’t stop?
Tabitha licks her lips. “Please,” she pleads.
I slowly lean in, and she closes her eyes.
“Archie!” Someone bangs on the other side of the door.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I groan and press my forehead to hers. “One sec!”
The. Worst. Fucking. Timing. Possible. I roll out of bed. It takes effort not to stomp to the door, yank it open, and curse outwhoever is on the other side to fuck all the way off. I step softly and open it a couple of inches.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
TABITHA
Holy modern, award-winning kitchen.
I step backward into the hall and into the main part of the clubhouse. Nope, still the same place. It’s like stepping back into time, a classic look for this group. I’m pretty sure they haven’t had any major updates in thirty years.
Yet, when I walk into the kitchen, the difference is incredible. I let the door close softly behind me as my eyes scan over the navy blue cabinets, butcher block counters, and white tile backsplash. It looks like something out of a magazine. This kitchen appears new and sleek.
Noise catches my attention in the corner.
Lee, Archie’s dad, is sitting at the built-in dinette with a cup of coffee. A newspaper spread out in front of him, and the television in the corner has the volume low. I step closer to see he’s either watching or listening to reruns ofStar Trek.
It instantly puts a smile on my face and takes me back to my childhood. It was Lee’s favorite show to watch. I remember watching episodes with him while Gracie made us tea.
“Morning,” Lee peers up at me over his cup of coffee.
