Текст книги "Only You"

Автор книги: Stephanie Rose

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

“Okay, Paige.” Dr. Stephens spoke in a low voice as she helped me turn on my stomach. “We’ll give you some lidocaine so you won’t feel anything. Should be very quick. You can go back to sleep if you want.”

I let my heavy eyelids close and saw Evan. I let him go, but he came back. The memory of his voice made me relax. I was exhausted. I hardly gave a second thought to the big needle they planned to inject into my spine. I rested my head on my hands and floated off into a strangely peaceful sleep.

“God, you’re an idiot.”

I lifted my head and found Jack sitting next to my hospital bed. He crossed his legs as he leaned back. He was shaking his head at me.

“Oh my God. I’m dead, aren’t I?” I was glad to see Jack, but panicked. I wasn’t ready to go yet. I couldn’t leave Evan and my mother.

“No, not dead. Just an idiot.” He smirked as I glared at him.

“Yeah, you said that.” Jack snickered at me as he folded his arms.

“Well, it was worth repeating. You let yourself almost die before you told anyone you were sick. Stubborn fucking mule, as usual.”

“I didn’t know ghosts could curse. Can you walk through walls?”

“Working up to that. You really want to see me do tricks?”

“No, I want to see you alive. I miss you so much. I felt so alone . . .”

“You were never alone, I was always here with you. Like I said I would be. Life doesn’t always turn out the way you want, cuz. It’s like poker. You need to play the hand you’re dealt and not feel sorry for yourself because you didn’t get better cards. You need to take the support from the people you love and tell lupus to go fuck itself. You’re tougher than you think. You can ride this out and still have a good, long life. Maybe not the one you planned for, but we don’t plan our lives, Paige. It’s stupid to even try.”

“Is heaven nice? How are Grandma and Grandpa?”

“Very nice. They’re both pissed at you. Uncle Alex, too.”

“What’s my dad like?” A slow smile spread across Jack’s face.

“As cool as my dad said he would be. Now, no more of this bullshit. You’re a crap liar so stop stressing yourself out trying.”

“I love you, Jack.” I smiled as he laughed at me.

“I love you, too. Pain in the ass.”

“Hey, she’s waking up. Paige? Hey, sweetheart! Does it hurt?”

My mother’s voice sounded far away as my eyes fluttered open. I squinted at her and Evan standing behind her. I tried to pull myself up, but winced at the sting in my lower back. The pain medicine must have worn off.

Evan kissed my forehead and picked up my hand. “Hey, Daisy! How’s my girl?” I smiled as he brought his lips to the back of my wrist.

“Okay. I saw Jack. He called me an idiot.”

“Sounds like Jack. And I would agree with that.” I wiggled my hand out of Evan’s grasp to touch his cheek.

“Thanks a lot. I’m digging the whiskers, Mr. Jacobs.” I let my hand drift up his cheek; his face was clammy and wet.

“I haven’t felt like shaving, or doing anything else for a while.” Evan kissed the inside of my wrist before he sat in the chair next to my bed.

“I’m sorry, babe. So sorry—”

“Shhh . . . it’s okay, Daisy. You came back to me, that’s all that matters.” The sweet smile that spread across his face tugged at my heart.

“Hey, I’m going home.” My mother kissed my forehead and cupped my cheek. “I’ll come back in the morning. Evan will stay with you. I love you. Get some rest okay?”

“I love you too, Mom.” She turned to give Evan a quick kiss on the cheek and made her way out the door.

“Okay, kids. All set for your sleepover.” Natalie breezed in carrying blankets.

“Sleepov—” I leaned forward as I started hacking again. Now the hacking came with wheezing.

“Hey, don’t over-excite yourself.” Natalie came up to the bed and rubbed my back as she smirked at me. “I have the ER night shift tonight, so I thought I’d sneak your man a couple of blankets. Just behave yourselves.” She handed Evan the blankets and winked at me. “Paige told me how hot you guys can get.”

“You’re sleeping here? I don’t understand . . .” My brow furrowed as Evan opened the blanket and settled back into the chair.

“They’re keeping an eye on your breathing tonight, in case you need to go on a respirator. I could go home and climb the walls, or watch you myself and catch up on lost time with my girl.” The side of his mouth turned up in a smirk. “Natalie pulled a couple of strings for me, so here I am.”

I gingerly turned to my side and tucked my hands under my head. “You are something else.”

Evan shrugged and moved his chair closer to the bed. “I just missed you. And I always sleep better next to you.” He took down the side rail and kissed me. I missed those lips so damn much. “Sweet dreams, Daisy.”

“Sweet dreams. I love you, babe.” Evan laughed and settled on his side facing me.

“What’s so funny?” He grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together.

“I love it when you call me babe.”

Sun peeking through the blinds woke me up. I lifted my head off the pillow. Everything was soaked in sweat, and for the first time in a while, I wanted something to eat.

Evan was asleep, in the most uncomfortable position imaginable. His head rested on the mattress next to my pillow. The side rail was still down so he could extend his arm across my stomach. The poor guy was half falling off the chair trying to get as close to me as possible. I lightly scratched my nails over his scalp. His hair was now longer than his usual buzz cut. I admired him for a few minutes before he stirred in his sleep.

“Daisy . . . what’s wrong? You okay?” His head shot up as his eyes widened. I laughed and shook my head.

“I’m in a pool of sweat, but I’m okay. I wouldn’t mind oatmeal or something when the trays come around.”

“Maybe your fever broke, I’ll go get the nurse, see if we can get my girl something to eat.” Evan kissed my forehead as he stood, and then started for the door.

“Good morning.” Dr. Stephens sauntered in with one of the student doctors. “How are you feeling?”

Evan answered for me. “She’s full of sweat and wants to eat. That’s a good sign, right?” Dr. Stephens and I exchanged a smile.

“Yes, it certainly could be. How’s your throat today?”

“Still scratchy, but maybe I could get some oatmeal?” Dr. Stephens nodded.

“Sure. I’ll tell the nurses to bring you some. Appetite is always a good sign. I actually have some good news already. Your kidneys seem to have improved a bit since the last time I checked them.”

Ugh, I’d forgotten about the catheter bag at the foot of my bed. I was so embarrassed, but if Evan wanted to stick around, he might as well see the worst of everything. I remembered the nurses coming to change it a couple of times during the night.

“The fever may have broken for the moment, so I think it’s time we get this flare down. I’m going to up your prednisone dosage to sixty milligrams. Hopefully, the large dose will start bringing down the inflammation, and help your lungs.” My eyes bugged out of my head.

“Sixty?” In the pamphlets Dr. Stephens had given me to study, I’d learned about the bad side effects from high doses of prednisone. Massive weight gain with a moon-like face, and a ton of other bad things that you couldn’t see. Lupus sure kept it interesting; the treatments were almost as bad as the disease itself.

“We’ll taper you down as you start to feel better. You most likely won’t be on such a high dose for very long, but I can’t wait any longer. And I’m sure you want to get out of here.” Dr. Stephens raised her eyebrows at me as I heard Jack’s voice in my head.

Fuck knows if I’m going to grow gills or a second head, but as long as I feel like this, bring it on!

Jack would have taken anything if it meant staying alive and being here with his family. He even let doctors experiment on him to get even a little more time.

“Okay. Can we start today?”

“That’s my girl.” Evan put his arm around me and kissed my cheek. He turned to Dr. Stephens. “How do I get tested to give Paige a kidney?” I raised my eyebrows and shook my head.

“Paige doesn’t need a kidney. Who told you that?” Dr. Stephens looked as baffled as I was.

“Doesn’t lupus sometimes cause kidney failure, and she would need a transplant? I’d like to know how I get tested.”

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who Googled.

“Evan, stop. You’re not giving me a kidney.” I reached for his arm and he glared at me.

“Making another decision for me, are you?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“We aren’t there yet. Once Paige starts to feel better, her kidneys should be less of an issue. If not, we’ll weigh our options then. I’m going to have them bring you that oatmeal so you can take your first dose.” She walked over to my bed and put her hand on my shoulder. “I told you I’d get you out of this flare and I will. Have a little faith.” I smiled and nodded as she left the room.

“Evan—” Evan put his hand up and shook his head.

“I don’t want to hear it. If giving you one of my kidneys keeps you alive, then that’s what I’ll do if the time comes. I don’t work without you. I can’t live without you. Has that not sunk in yet?” I chuckled at how irritated he was. “What’s so funny?”

“Your kidneys wouldn’t be a good fit anyway.” I leaned back on the pillows and adjusted the nasal cannula that fed me oxygen.

Evan’s brow furrowed. “Why is that?” He climbed into the bed and put his arm around me.

“Your kidneys are probably too muscular, like the rest of you.” I shrugged. “They wouldn’t fit. I’m too little.”

Evan rested his chin on top of my head. “I managed to fit something else that’s kinda big inside your tiny little body. What’s the difference?” I laughed, then started a coughing fit.

Getting better would take a long time, and it wouldn’t be easy, but I had a lot to live for. I was ready to accept all the unknowns if it meant I could stay with the people I loved.

Prednisone was a miracle. A devil and an angel wrapped in a pill. After a couple of days at the high dose, my throat started to clear up and I could finally eat. The cough still lingered, but I needed less and less oxygen. I was transferred to a regular room after almost a week.

Evan finally went back to work. He’d been afraid to leave my side for days, but I convinced him to come here in the late afternoons after the office closed. My mom, Ellie, Natalie, and my aunt and uncle all visited as much as they could, so I was never alone. I was starting to feel better, and to the point of being bored out of my mind. I’d asked Evan to bring my laptop to the hospital so I could do a little work. He said it was great that I wanted it, but absolutely not. Between Evan and Mom, I was surprised they let me cut my own meat.

After two more weeks, I needed out. I’d had enough hospital and wanted to go home. Dr. Stephens wanted to check everything one last time before she discharged me. My lungs weren’t the greatest, but I could breathe without oxygen, and eating was an enjoyable activity again. The high dose of prednisone made me manic, but as I lay in bed, I couldn’t do anything about it. I felt like a car revving to take off, but stuck, so my wheels just spun out of control while I went nowhere.

Me: Would you mind making a stop on the way to the hospital?

Texting without stiff, painful fingers was wonderful. Thanks for that too, prednisone.

Evan: Your wish is my command, Daisy. What do you want?

This being babied thing, I had to admit, didn’t totally suck.

Me: Promise you won’t laugh?

Evan: Never.

Me: Chicken nuggets and French fries from McDonald’s.

Evan: Anything you want. I could get you the happy meal toy, too. I think it’s My Little Pony. ;)

Me: Very funny. Thanks, babe. I love you.

Evan: I love you, too.

“Hey, can I come in?”

I put my phone on the nightstand and smiled at my uncle in the doorway.

“Sure, Uncle John.”

He came over to the bed and kissed my forehead. “So, I hear you’re getting out soon.”

I nodded. “Dr. Stephens wants the results of a few more tests. I’ve already been here for over a month. I want my own bed, my own shower. I don’t even remember what condition I left my apartment in. My life was on hold for so long. I just want it back.”

“I think you already have some of it back. You’re a pretty tough cookie.”

I shrugged. “Amazing what you can do when you have no other choice. I keep thinking about that dream I had of Jack. I miss him. Especially now.”

Uncle John shook his head. “I don’t think that was a dream. I think Jack really came to see you.”

I pursed my lips. “You believe in that stuff, Uncle John?” He chuckled and squeezed my hand.

“It’s not a question of believing. I just know my son. After we had Jack, we found out we couldn’t have any more children. Then, just after you turned a year old, your father . . . well we may not have set out to only have one child but that’s what God had planned for all of us.” Uncle John gave me a sad smile. “It was our greatest joy to see the two of you grow up to be so close, closer than any brother and sister I knew. It was a blessing I will always be grateful for. Even when you fought, you loved each other fiercely. Love doesn’t end in death. It stays with you. And Jack’s number one priority since you were babies was to look out for you. You needed him, and he came. He wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I nodded. I chuckled and thought it would be just like my cousin to find a way to come down from heaven just to call me an idiot.

“How’s Jack Junior? I’m the worst godmother ever. He’s probably gotten so big.” My uncle dug his phone out of his pocket and showed me his latest picture. He looked just like Jack, the same blue eyes, dirty blond hair, and up-to-no-good smirk.

“Somebody wanted McDonald’s?” Evan strolled into my room with a big smile and a happy meal box. I laughed and turned to my uncle.

“He spoils me, Uncle John.” My uncle rose from his seat and squeezed Evan’s shoulder.

“He better.” He gave me a wink and kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you when you get home.”

“Thanks for coming, Uncle John. I love you.”

“I love you, too. You just keep it up.” He shook Evan’s hand on his way out.

I grabbed the box from Evan and tore into it.

“You even remembered the sweet and sour! You’re the best, babe.” I grabbed his face and kissed his lips.

“I’d never thought seeing you eat would make me so happy. I’ll buy you McDonald’s every day if you want.” He sat on the edge of the bed and stole a fry.

“Nah, once I’m out it’s back to dieting. I keep seeing visions of myself as the Stay Puft marshmallow girl.” I cringed.

“Stop trying to turn me on; we’re in a hospital.” I shoved his shoulder and took a slurp of my apple juice. “I figured I’ll stay with you for a while after you come home.” He raised his hand to stop me from saying anything. “It would make me feel better. So, please don’t fight me. Provided I get my key back . . .” Evan raised his eyebrows at me.

I nodded. “I was actually thinking about that.”

Evan narrowed his eyes. “You were?”

I shrugged. “Maybe you could stay, you know, for good. Just to make you feel better, of course.” I smirked at him as I dipped my fries in ketchup.

Evan moved closer and leaned in to give me a soft kiss. He leaned his forehead against mine and gave me a big smile. “Thanks for being so considerate. I think I’ll take you up on that.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and attacked his lips. It was the first real kiss we had since I was admitted in the hospital. It was probably wrong to want Evan to feel me up under my hospital gown.

A knock on the door interrupted us.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. “Hi, Dr. Stephens.”

“Good news. Everything looks good. I’m signing you out now. You can go home in the morning, and I’ll see you in my office next week.” Evan and I breathed a simultaneous long sigh of relief.

“Thanks, Dr. Stephens. For everything.”

“My pleasure. You just take care of yourself, and I’ll see you next week.”

I turned to Evan. “So, tomorrow you can take me home. To our home. Sounds nice doesn’t it?”

Evan put his arms around me and covered my mouth with his. “I would love to take you home with me.”

I was going home with the man who was my home. Life didn’t get much better than that.

“General Tess isn’t freaking out that you’re living in sin?” Natalie gawked at me from across the table. I’d been home for a few weeks and started working from my apartment again, taking on a couple of small projects just to keep my mind occupied. I was still supposed to “take it easy” but staying inside was driving me crazy. When Natalie asked to meet for lunch on her day off, I practically jumped at the chance.

“No, she hasn’t said anything really. She has a big soft spot for Evan, so for whatever reason she’s not on my case about living together without being married. I think they bonded at the hospital. Who knows, but I’m not planning to bring anything up.” I chomped on the rest of my salad. I really wanted the cheeseburger, fries and shake I glimpsed at another table. My steroid dose had tapered a bit, but was still high. I spent most of my day fighting the urge to eat everything in my pantry or rip apart my closets.

Natalie crinkled her nose and nodded. “Yeah, wise not to poke that bear. So why the long face?”

“What long face, I’m fine.” Natalie rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“Like I can’t tell when something’s bothering you.”

I shrugged. “I guess it’s been a little lonely since I came home. Evan’s been working all the time the past couple of weeks, and . . .” I trailed off as I picked at the rest of my rabbit food.

“And . . . what?” Natalie rested her elbows on the table as she leaned forward.

“I don’t think Evan is attracted to me anymore.” I threw the fork into my plate and put my face in my hands.

“Are you sure they cleared you for that brain infection? Because you’re talking like you’ve lost your mind. That boy never left your side in the hospital. And don’t tell me it was out of obligation. I stopped in to check on you that first night and he was sitting there, just watching you sleep, at four o’clock in the morning. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”

“I didn’t say he didn’t love me. But look at me, Natalie. I know it’s awful to sound so vain after what happened to me, but look at my face.” Natalie shrugged.

“Yeah, your face is a little fuller than before. You’re still beautiful, and I’d much rather see you with a rounder face than skin and bones like you were all those months. And I am positive Evan agrees.”

“After seeing me like that all those weeks . . . I had a catheter bag for fuck’s sake. Maybe he doesn’t see me the same way anymore. We haven’t even had sex since I’ve been home. Kissing and cuddling, but that’s been it.” Natalie started laughing and shook her head.

“I’m a little upset over here; it would help if my best friend stopped laughing at me.” She put her head down and laughed even harder. I nudged her arm.

“You shouldn’t anger a woman on steroids, Nat. What’s so damn funny?”

She lifted her head and let out a long sigh. I fumed as she grabbed my hand.

“You were in the hospital for a month, plus the poor dude has been working non-stop for the past two weeks. Even a couple with a porn star-quality sex life like you guys had wouldn’t be able to just jump right back in under those circumstances.” I leaned back in my chair and narrowed my eyes at Natalie.

“Porn star? What are you talking about?”

“You remember the night of Jack’s funeral? Evan had to go to your uncle’s house to sort out some papers so I came to your apartment with some Godiva liqueur to take your mind off things. Remember saying you’d get drunk faster if you mixed it with the Bailey’s you already had?”

I shrugged. “Vaguely.” I remembered making that suggestion and then waking up in my dress and makeup. I didn’t recall anything in between.

“Well . . . you told me all about you and Evan. How all he has to do is walk into a room to get you wet, how awesome the stubble on his face feels between your legs, how he’s the only man to make you come more than once in the same night—”

I put my hand over my eyes. “Okay, you can stop now.”

“Wait, what else did you say? Let me think. Oh yeah, how big he is. How you always hated blow jobs but loved sucking on his huge cock. Do you know how long it was before I could look Evan in the eye again? I still really can’t. Who would have thought Evan would be packing a boa constrictor between his legs?”

“Ahem, ladies. Is everything okay here?” Our baby-faced waiter turned three shades of red at the last thing Natalie said.

“Sure, hun. All good.” Natalie gave the waiter a smile and a wink. Poor kid.

“Well, that wasn’t humiliating at all. Why didn’t you shut me up that night?” Natalie choked on her water and cracked up again.

“Are you kidding? I was sorry you passed out when you did. You were just about to tell me how you love to bite Evan on his . . . and then you lost consciousness. Shame really. Anyway, even the couples on Tumblr would need some time to come back from what you guys went through. I’m sure the poor guy puts a lot of pressure on himself to not let Jack down with the business. And I’m not saying he’s not attracted to you like he was, but I would think seeing you so sick this past month took its toll on him. Give him a break. Kiss and hug, and I’ll take you to buy that rabbit if you need it.”

“Thanks, I . . . think.”

Natalie tapped the top of my hand. “Always here for you, mama. Just relax.”

After I left Natalie, I took advantage of the sunny September day and went for a long walk. I guessed she was right and Evan and I needed a little recovery time. I noticed Evan’s car parked on the corner as I turned onto my block. It was early for him; lately he’d been walking through the door around eight o’clock.

“Hey! What are you doing home already?” Evan looked up from the living room floor as he fiddled with my TV stand.

“Aren’t you happy to see me, Daisy?” I giggled as he pouted at me.

“Of course I am! I’m not used to seeing you home so early.”

He stood from the floor. I gave him a quick peck on the lips as he wrapped his arm around my waist and cupped my cheek.

“I know and I’m so sorry. Jessica told me the numbers were down from last year and I panicked. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t wasting money anywhere. Last thing I want to do is let Jack down.”

“You are not letting Jack down. You’re busier than you ever were.”

“But before he died, he told me to make sure work didn’t get in the way of my life. We’ve been sharing an apartment for weeks and I’ve hardly seen you.”

I kissed his cheek and shook my head. “Babe, I understand. It’s okay.” Truthfully, I’d been lonely and a little hurt for a while but I didn’t want Evan to feel any worse. “What were you doing with the TV?”

“I hooked up my stereo speakers, finally. Watch.” He took out his phone and tapped the screen a couple of times. Madonna’s Crazy for You started to play.

Evan smirked as he set his phone on the end table. “Remember this song?”

I nodded. “Yes, this is my favorite classic Madonna song. Natalie had the DJ play it at our sixteenth birthday. How did you remember this song?”

Evan gave me a sideways glance. “I remembered guys making a line to dance with you during that song.”

“Oh right, I forgot about that. I can’t remember who started it.”

“Sean.” I laughed at the sour look on his face as he rolled his eyes.

“Really? Oh yeah, I guess he did. I think you were the only boy who didn’t get in line.”

Evan shook his head. “I didn’t want just a minute. I wanted a whole song with you. I didn’t want to just sway back and forth once and hand you off to another guy. When I asked you to dance after that, I had you all to myself. I think I said, ‘Dance with me, birthday girl.’ I put my hand on your back like this.” Evan placed his hand on my lower back and pulled me closer. “I held your hand, like this.” He laced our fingers together and pulled our joined hands to his chest. “And for almost three minutes—you were all mine.” The smoldering look on Evan’s face made my heart skip a beat.

“I should’ve never left your arms that night. Or ever.”

“You’re in my arms now. And I’ll never let you go again.” His lips found my forehead then inched down to my cheeks and over my lips. I nibbled on his bottom lip before he planted kisses down my neck then back up to behind my ear.

Madonna ended, and the beginning chords of an *NSYNC song blasted through the speakers. This I Promise You, the song we did dance to, started to play.

I crinkled my nose at Evan. “You have Madonna and *NSYNC on your phone. Should I be concerned?” I giggled, but Evan’s eyes still seared through me.

“Dance with me.” he whispered. His breath tickled the shell of my ear. I held on tight as my knees turned into jelly.

I closed my eyes and buried my head in his neck as he sang in my ear. Evan’s free hand stayed where it was but mine had a mind of its own. I let my hand drift up his back and then inch down until it rested on his ass. I gazed into his hooded eyes and smiled.

Evan pressed his lips against mine as we kept dancing. “No one told you about personal dance space, I guess.” I shook my head as I darted my tongue across the seam of his lips. Evan grabbed the back of my neck and crashed his lips to mine. We stopped dancing and pulled at each other’s clothes. I dragged his shirt over his head and raked my nails down his back. Evan broke the kiss and clutched my face in his hands.

“You’re sure, Daisy? I don’t want to pressure you.”

“God yes. I thought . . . maybe you didn’t want me anymore.”

Evan’s brow furrowed as he gazed at me. “You’re serious? How could you ever think that?”

I rubbed the back of his wrists and let out a long sigh.

“After all . . . you saw. And how I look now. I was afraid that you . . . didn’t feel the same way. That you didn’t see me the same way.”

Evan chuckled and shook his head. “What I see—is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. I see a gorgeous face, a smoking hot body, and toughness that you’re clueless about. Which, I have to say—is sexy as hell.” I smiled as Evan tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.

“And . . . maybe I don’t see you exactly the same. I knew I was in love with you, but didn’t know how empty my life was without you. And how much I need you to feel alive. But make no mistake.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me towards him. I gasped when I felt the hardness against my stomach. “That is how much I still want you. How much I’ll always want you. Never, ever doubt that.”

Evan’s lips went back to my neck as his hands grabbed the hem of my tank top and yanked it over my head. He pulled down my bra straps as he licked his way across my collarbone. I was a whimpering mess when his tongue glided over a rigid nipple, flicking it before he sucked it into his mouth. I grabbed the back of his head as he sucked harder.

“Evan please . . .” He unsnapped my bra and threw it on the couch as he trailed open mouth kisses over my other nipple and down my stomach before settling on his knees. His darkened eyes gazed up at me as he unbuttoned my shorts. After I kicked them off, he grabbed my leg and hooked it over his shoulder.

“I’ve missed you so fucking much. Missed this . . .” He drew his tongue along the inside of my thigh until his mouth landed on my wet and swollen clit. Evan grabbed my hips as my knees buckled.

“Evan please . . . I need you.” He stood and covered my mouth with his. Tasting myself on his lips made me kiss him even harder.

“You have me—anytime, anywhere. Always yours, Daisy.” He lifted me into his arms, our lips still moving as he carried me into our bedroom. Our last night together flashed through my mind, the night I thought I had to let him go and would never be here again. Evan kicked off his jeans and lay me on the bed. We both groaned as he slid inside me.

“Sit up, Evan.” His brow furrowed as he leaned back on the bed. I sat up on my knees as I sank myself down on him. He bit his lip as he leaned forward, burying his head in my chest and grabbing my hips.

“So beautiful.” His hand caressed my cheek as I sank down harder. Sweat dripped off my brow as I moved faster. “So good, Daisy. You feel so fucking good.” He was much deeper this way, and everything inside started to quiver and throb as I came harder than ever before. All the buildup—the sadness, and the longing of the last couple of months—made every move that much more intense.

Evan flipped me over and plowed into me until he found his release. We were still breathless as he rolled to his back and pulled me on top of his chest.

“Now, that was insane makeup sex. Holy shit, Paige.”

I laughed into his neck. “We still got it, after all.”

I propped my head up on my elbow as a satisfied grin spread across my face.

“Of course we do. We get better all the time.” He kissed the top of my head as I cuddled into his side.

“Daisy?”

“Yeah, babe.” He wrapped both his arms around me.

“It’s so good to be home.”