She steps forward to meet me, and I pull her into my arms.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I murmur. “But I’m so fucking glad you are. I don’t think I would’ve made it through without you.”

“Did you really think I’d miss this?” She gives me a radiant smile. “I skipped class to come and watch. Besides, it’s like you said, when you know what you want, everything is clear.”

Unable to resist, I cup her face in my hands and kiss her, not caring who sees. Because I am head over heels for this woman.

43. Hannah

Chapter 43

Hannah

The woman staring back at me from the bathroom mirror has a confidence I barely recognize. Her blue and green eyes are bright, her cheeks flushed, her lips curving upward in a satisfied smile. Half-dressed in just my bra and panties, I lean closer to the mirror to check my handiwork as I brush on the last few swipes of mascara. My carefully applied makeup isn’t the only reason I’m glowing—honestly, it’s because of everything that’s happening with Declan.

For the first time in forever, I feel like I’m truly living.

I’m not super excited about going to this alumni mixer at my school tonight, even though I know it will be good for me and my career, but knowing that Declan will be there with me makes it more bearable. At least this way, while all the super ambitious people are brown nosing for jobs and networking opportunities, I’ll have someone to talk to who isn’t trying to work me for something.

As if my thoughts have summoned him, Declan appears behind me in the reflection, rolling up the sleeves of his dark dress shirt as he strides through the open bathroom door. I swallow hard at the sight. It’s such a small, everyday thing, but I find it so incredibly sexy, almost like he’s getting ready to get down to business. The way the fabric tightens around his forearms, revealing the definition of muscle beneath tanned skin, sends heat pooling low in my belly. And I can’t help thinking about him doing this same thing with me right before he tears my clothes off.

Then again, there isn’t much that I don’t find sexy about him.

He steps up behind me and rests his hands on my waist to bring his lips down to my neck, sending goosebumps scattering over me.

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you look?” he whispers against my ear, and I melt against him, my breath escaping in a soft rush. I swear, this man knows how to play me like an instrument, and even just the feeling of his mouth against my skin makes me feel like I’m catching fire from the inside out.