12. Luke
TWELVE
luke
T he countdown began.
Flutes of champagne filled as laughter echoed through the room. Olivia clutched my body; hers pressed snugly at my side like the missing puzzle piece. She threw back the fizzy, sweet alcohol with casual ease, laughing with her mom and dad as we watched the ball drop on live TV.
Fireworks boomed and crackled through the sky in the distance outside as neighbors, friends, and families all celebrated the incoming new year. I looked down at the girl who stole my heart and ran so far with it even Cupid was left breathless, trying to catch up.
“Are you gonna be my New Year’s kiss?” Her breath caressed my skin, the sweetness of the champagne hanging onto each word she said.
“Of course.” I looked down at her. Her eyes were wider than I’d ever seen them as she looked up at me. She made my life sweeter than fiction.
THREE!
TWO!
The world faded away to nothing in that single second. The single second that would consume my memories as I brought my face closer to hers.
ONE!
Our lips touch softly but like a live wire. One that set off sparks, threatening to ignite into a blazing fire. Heat whipped across my skin as she deepened the kiss. Her tongue traced my lips for entrance, and I let her in happily.
Every single time we touched, I got the same feeling. The one I’d hold onto no matter what life threw at us. The one that would stick with my soul long after I was gone from this plane.
She peeled herself back and looked up at me, snuggled into my arms, her lips curled into a saccharine smile.
“Happy New Year,” her soft voice transported me to a place so familiar yet so unknown. I wondered if she could feel how fast my heart was racing against her, desperate, begging me to say the words.
Screaming at me to say the words.
I cleared my throat, begging to all Gods that it wouldn’t crack when I fucking spoke, “Happy New Year.”
The crusty reply fell out of my mouth and I would’ve welcomed the voice crack.
You’re so fucking pathetic, Luke.
Olivia cuddled closer to me while her parents started cleaning up the table covered in remnants of mini quiches, shrimp cocktails, cheeses, and charcuterie. The scent of freshly baked cookies and chocolate truffles wafted through the air. The sound of the television blurred into the background as I gazed at the cozy scene around me amid the twinkling lights and festive decorations.
A family, happy, smiling, celebrating.
It was all I ever wanted.
My head turned back to Olivia, who sipped on the last drops of champagne in her flute. Her lids looked heavy as the alcohol coursed through her little body, and she swayed to the music that played on the TV.
She embodied every dream I'd ever dared to hold. And now, she was finally mine. I would never let her go, not for anything or anyone. I’d shield her with every fiber of my being, no matter the cost.
The answer to every unspoken prayer.
My angel.