Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
GAbrIEL
Noelle’s palm presses against mine through the cold glass, and everything I practiced saying disappears. I have to have her in my arms again. I push through the door.
“You forgot something.” I pull her grandmother's watch from my pocket.
“My watch.” Barely a whisper.
“Let me.” I take her wrist, fastening the delicate band as her pulse flutters under my fingers. “There. Right where it belongs.”
“Gabriel. Thank you.” She holds it up to her ear. “It’s working!”
I can’t let go of her hand. “When you told me about the job this morning, I said it was great and told you to take it… because I thought that's what you wanted to hear. I didn't want to be the guy who held you back.”
Her eyes fill. “You could never—”
I step closer, cupping her face. “But I don't want you to go. I want you right here. To wake up with you every morning and fix everything in this place until it's perfect… so you can make all the amazing sandwiches you want.”
She's crying now. Great. I’ve made her cry.
“And if you take that job, if that's what you really want? I'll come with you. Find work in the city.”
“I don't want the job,” she whispers.
“What?”
“I want to stay. To work here and help Dad. Most of all, to be with you. I just thought... maybe you didn't want me to.”
I pull her against me. She fits perfectly. “I've wanted you since I was in high school. I'm done with bad timing.”
She pulls back enough to look up. “So we're doing this?”
“We sure are.” I lean down, stopping before our lips meet. “I love you. I should've said it this morning.”
“I love you too.” She presses her lips against mine and I’m lost.
The bell jingles. Of course.
“Finally!” Avery shrieks. “Wait, wait. I need to document this.” She gets out her phone.
“Avery,” Noelle warns.
“This is social media gold. 'Local idiots finally realize they're in love.' Million views, easy.”
I look down at Noelle. Her eyes are bright with laughter.
“Let her. I want everyone to know you're mine.”
“Yours?”
“All mine,” I kiss her again.
Better late than never.