Page 125 of Blossoms of the Heart

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How could I live this way? It wasn’t me.

I’d gotten the one wish I’d always wanted. Tai, and fear was stopping me from being with him.

Four minutes to twelve.

My heart squeezed and I pulled in a steady breath. Images of Tai filled my mind. Him from the past, him now. All the years I missed in between.

Two minutes to twelve.

Was I seriously going to do this? Not be with him?

Tai…

Tai the boy I couldn’t wait to see every summer, Tai the boy I first kissed, Tai the man who made me feel like how every woman should. Wanted, desired, like a queen.

Tai… the man who held my heart.

Don’t fall for him.Really? That’s what I told myself this morning.

But didn’t I realize that I’d already fallen?

I’d fallen years ago.

Twelve. It was Twelve o clock.

I jumped out of my chair at the shock of the time and ran.

Fuck fear.

Fuck life for dealing me the shit it had.

Fuck everything. I’d never been one to pass up on opportunity and I couldn’t now for the sake of fear.

I opted for the stairs when I saw the elevator had just gone up to the fifth floor.

I flew down them, taking them two at a time. I was so breathless by the time I got to the basement door that I was gasping for air.

Please God let him still be here.

Please. I knew if it had been me I would have been checking the minutes.

I pushed the door open and ran in, but collided with a wall.. A wall with two strong hands that took hold of my shoulders and steadied me from falling.

Tai.

He looked down at me, holding me tight. The look in his eyes filled with adoration and heat.

“I’m here,” I said softly. “I’m sorry I’m late, but I’m here.”

“Three minutes past twelve.” He pointed out tapping his watch.

“I’m sorry.” I reached up for his jaw and stroked the smooth skin there. I took a few seconds to admire him and remember the look in his eyes. I wanted to always remember it.

Always, no matter what happened.

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Tai

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