Page 484 of One More Kiss

I don’t know when I started crying, but I feel tears streaming down my cheeks. I don’t know why, but I just feel so sad that Nora missed out on something as wonderful as love.

“So you never met someone after him?”

“Oh, I did. I eventually tried dating other men, even married one, but I always compared them to Adam. The connection and love between us never felt as strong or authentic as the one we had. So I had failed relationships, eventually a failed marriage, and well, here I am.”

“Geez, Nora. Way to hit me right in the feels.” I wipe away another tear. “You know it’s not too late for you,” I say with a hint of seriousness.

“Oh you know I’m too set in my ways,” she tells me as if I had no idea.

“Well, if you ever found Adam again and get that third chance, you best invite me to the wedding.” I chuckle.

“You got it, dear.”

We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up. I see Olivia’s Bible organizer on the table and flip to the current month to check out the rest of the schedule. There’s only a week left before the tour’s over, but I don’t know if I can wait that long to see him again.

I’m not going to waste our second chance.

* * *

As the Uberdrives through the Charleston streets, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Olivia nearly murdered me when I told her I was leaving early. I only had one signing event left. The rest of my schedule was filled with interviews that I had her reschedule as phone interviews instead. I’d fly out for the signing this weekend, but I couldn’t wait any longer to see Ethan, so I flew from Texas right to Charleston.

I decided not to tell him I’m coming so I can surprise him; however, after arriving at the house and seeing a bunch of random supplies laying around, I’m not sure if surprising him was the right way to go.

“Ethan?” I call out, watching my step as I walk through the house.

I head out back where Henry is clucking around but luckily doesn’t come charging at me. Noticing the cottage door is wide open, I step closer and hear music coming from inside.

“Ethan?” I call again, but the music's too loud.

As soon as I round the doorway, I see him inside wearing tight jeans and a handyman’s belt. He’s shirtless, and sweat drips down his muscular back. Leaning against the doorway, I admire how fucking good he looks right now. It takes a moment for me to realize what he’s doing. All the furniture is gone, the walls have been repainted, and the carpet looks like it was steam-cleaned. That’s when I notice the little reading nook in the corner he’s currently hammering nails into.

What in the world is he doing?

The song playing through the speakers comes to an end, and that’s when I take my opportunity to let it be known I’m here.

“Knock, knock,” I say loud enough for him to hear.

He spins around, and when his eyes find mine, his lips transform into the biggest smile I’ve ever seen.

“Holy fuck,” he gasps, charging for me. Wrapping his arms around me, he pulls me up and presses a deep kiss against my lips. “What are you doing here already?”

I tighten my arms around his neck and press my mouth back on his. “I had to see you,” is all the explanation I give him.

“You came back to me.” He smiles, looking me over as if to make sure I’m really here.

I nod, tears stinging my eyes at the realization of how much I love this man.

“I couldn’t spend another day away from you,” I tell him, his arms holding me in place against his chest.

“Well, I wanted to surprise you, but…” He turns slightly, glancing around the room. “I’m building you your dream office space.”

“Wait, really?” I look around and am in awe at everything he’s doing. “I can’t believe you’d do that for me.”

“Are you kidding? This is where it all happened, baby. You touching yourself, fantasizing about me, and—”

“Oh my God, shut up!” I blush, laughing. “It is a dream though.” I look around again. “You even added shelves.”

“Of course!” He smiles. “I have it all designed. You’re going to love it.”

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