“I walk around every day thinking it could be our last. That you’ll come to your senses. Because why would you want me? My life’s a mess. My time’s not my own. I’ve got more baggage than I know what to do with.”

He’s deeper now, and my body takes charge, baring down on his hand. I can do nothing but breathe through the pleasure and soak in his words as he continues working me over.

“That first night you walked into The Oak, I felt it. We both did. I did everything in my power to lock you out once I found out who you were. But you pushed.” He beckons against my G-spot, and I swear my legs would give out beneath me if he didn’t have me pinned to this wall.

“You pushed and you pushed and you pushed.” Every word is another stroke as he drives me higher and higher.

“Even after I gave in, I assumed you’d tire of me. That we’d fizzle without the chase.” He kisses me hard, then pulls back an inch before speaking his truth against my lips.

“But you didn’t leave. We haven’t fizzled. You’re here. You. Stayed.”

He puts firm pressure on my pulsing channel and rubs my clit so hard I’m afraid it’s going to fall off. I close my eyes and shudder in pleasure as I freefall off the deep end—his ministrations and the truth of his words equally responsible.

He kisses me again, and it feels so good I want to cry. “Look at me, Maddie,” he coaxes as he eases out from between my legs and smooths down my dress.

When we lock eyes, I know what he’s about to say will change everything.

“That woman up there? She and I have a history. I thought she was the love of my life. I thought she’d be the mother of my children.”

I turn my head as he speaks, overwhelmed by the thought of him building a life with her. He’s not mine to keep. But I hate the idea of him being with anyone else. He turns my chin back to him, just like he’s done so many times before, and forces me to meet his gaze.

“But she left, Maddie. She made her choice. She chose not to stay.” He whispers the next words into the crook of my neck. “She’s not you.”

I shudder again as I’m overcome with emotion. All this talk about staying… and yet we’re weeks away from saying goodbye. I can’t think of it. I can’t possibly imagine what it’ll feel like to go back to a version of my life where he isn’t by my side.

He barely let me get out of the goddamn building tonight. How will he let me go for good at the end of the month?