Sophie's Life

Chapter 57: The Kiss ; )

The air between us felt charged, electric, as if the universe itself was waiting for what was about to happen. James took another step closer, the soft glow of the streetlights catching the faint tremble in his hand as he extended the rose toward me.  

I hesitated, my heart pounding so loudly I wondered if he could hear it. Finally, I reached out, my fingers brushing his as I took the rose. His touch was warm, grounding, and yet it sent a jolt through me that left me breathless.  

"James..." I started, my voice faltering as I searched for the right words.  

"Don't say anything yet," he murmured, stepping even closer. The scent of rain lingered in the air, the sky above us heavy with clouds. "Just let me say this."  

He looked at me then, really looked at me, his expression open in a way I wasn't sure I'd ever seen before.  

"I know I've hurt you," he began, his voice low and steady despite the raw emotion in his eyes. "And I know I've made mistakes, Sophie. But being with Ayla... it only made me realize how much I—how much you mean to me."  

I felt my breath hitch again, the world tilting on its axis. "James..."  

He shook his head, silencing me with a look that was equal parts determination and vulnerability. "You're the one I can't stop thinking about, Sophie. Every time I see you, it's like the rest of the world disappears. I know it's messy and complicated, but I had to tell you."  

And then, before I could respond, a single raindrop fell, landing on my cheek like a tear. Another followed, and then another, until a soft drizzle turned into a downpour.  

I gasped, laughing softly in surprise as the rain soaked through my dress. James's hair clung to his forehead, his suit darkening as he stood there, unfazed, his eyes never leaving mine.  

"Come on," I said, gesturing toward the cover of the bridge's archway, but he didn't move.  

Instead, he reached for me, his hand gently cradling my cheek. "Sophie..." he murmured, his voice barely audible over the rain.  

And then he kissed me.  

It wasn't hurried or hesitant; it was everything at once—soft and urgent, sweet and overwhelming, like he'd been waiting for this moment as long as I had. The rain blurred everything else, but his touch, his warmth, and the way he made my heart race were crystal clear.  

When we finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine, his breath mingling with mine in the cool night air.  

"I had to do that," he whispered, his voice shaky but resolute. "I've wanted to for so long."  

My fingers tightened around the stem of the rose, my thoughts spinning as I looked into his eyes. The rain fell harder, drenching us, but neither of us moved to leave.  

Because in that moment, it didn't matter.  

It was just James and me, the bridge, and the rain.  I wished it would stay like this but the universe had other plans