“Not at all.”
“What would your family say if they knew about my past?”
“My brother had a drinking problem in high school. He went to rehab three times before he finally kicked it. They don’t judge people who’ve battled addiction.”
“I’m sorry you guys went through that.”
“It was rough, and he struggled so much to get to where he is now. We’re proud of him, and I know they’d be proud of you, too.”
“That’s nice to hear. It may sound weird, but in some ways, I’m thankful for having been through everything that I have. I feel like I’m better prepared for life than I would’ve been without the struggles.”
“I can see that. My brother is full of gratitude, too, not so much for the alcoholism, but for the journey he took through recovery and AA.”
“Narcotics Anonymous and AA are amazing programs. I can’t imagine where I’d be without all the support I’ve found there—and continue to find there.”
“Thank you for telling me about it.”
He released her hand and put his arm around her. “I should’ve told you sooner, but I was afraid of what you might think. I should’ve known better.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “You told me when you were ready to. That’s the right time.”
“And you wonder why I like you so much.”
“I don’t wonder.”
Jeff laughed and kissed the top of her head as he tightened his hold on her. He wanted to hang on to her forever. With that thought in mind, he pulled back from her and looked down, studying her gorgeous face while trying to commit every detail to memory. Although he already knew he’d never forget a thing about her. He moved in slowly, hoping he’d be welcome to kiss her like he’d wanted to for weeks now.
As their lips came together in the sweetest, most perfect kiss of his life, she placed her hand on his face and kissed him back with the same ardor he felt. Was it possible for one kiss to change everything? He wouldn’t have thought so before now. After one taste, he wanted to gorge. The need was so great that when she pulled back, he moaned.
“I think,” she said softly, “that we ought to put this on hold for now.”
“That’s the worst idea you ever had.”
Smiling, she shook her head. “It’s not what I want, but if we let things get even more involved, it’ll be that much harder when you go.”
“Leaving you here will already be the hardest thing I’ll ever do.”
“Don’t be silly. You just told me you’ve been through much worse.”
“This is going to be harder than that. I already know it.”
“Now you’re being dramatic. We can FaceTime and talk every day. You’ll visit me. I’ll visit you. If it’s meant to be, it’ll work out.”
“You’re very mature about all this.”
“One of us has to be.”
Laughing, he nudged her with his shoulder. “You’ll really FaceTime with me every day?”
“Yes.”
“And you won’t date anyone else?”
She glanced at him. “Will you?”
“Nope.”
“Then I won’t either.”
“Promise?” he asked playfully.
“Yes, Jeff, I promise.”