The Definition of Fate

Chapter 27

Have courage to trust love
one more time
and always one more time.

- Maya Angelou

We pull away, breathless and struggling to catch our breath. Even though we no longer tough, I feel his lips seared against mine. His fingers paint indelible tattoos across my skin everywhere they touch, and when we pull apart, I want his touch again like an ache inside of me.

I blush at the hungry look in Josh's eyes, the half-lidded blue haze that sets me afire. His hand remains on my arm and he trails his fingers from my shoulder all the way down to my fingers, lacing ours together.

"I should go to bed," I say even though I don't move.

"You probably should."
"And you probably shouldn't come with me," I add with a grin.

Josh laughs. "I definitely shouldn't." He tugs at our interlocked fingers and pulls me into a hug that's just as intimate as our kiss. "Good night, Rach," he whispers in my ear, making the soft curls flutter against my neck.

"Good night, Josh."

As I trot up the stairs to our apartment, heat dances across my skin with just the memory of his touch. One kiss whisked away all of my doubts, the conflict between vulnerability and surrender. Even if I wanted to be careful and take things slow, I can't with Josh. I never could.

When I open the door to the apartment, I squeal. "What are you guys doing?"

Like a pair of peeping Toms, Chloe and Hina peer through the blinds at the street where Josh's truck sat for the last fifteen minutes. The blush in my cheeks deepens.

"Were you guys spying on us?" I exclaim, hands on my hips. "Are you serious?"
Chloe laughs. "Did you seriously think we wouldn't? You were making out right outside the apartment. Everyone in the building could see you."

Well, that makes me feel better.

Hina smiles eagerly at me. "Oh, Rachel, you guys are so cute! One date and chemistry like that? What am I doing wrong?"

"One date and two years," I correct her although I believe we'd have the same connection even if this was our very first date. I doubt something as meaningless as time could change us.

"Whatever," she says with an eye roll. "That was hot."

"Okay, I'm going to bed," I growl, thoroughly embarrassed.
"Oh, c'mon!" Hina exclaims, running over to me and tugging my arm. "Aren't you going to tell us how it went?"
"I'm pretty sure you already figured that out." Chloe and Hina both laugh and a wave of exhaustion washes over me. Between pouring out my soul and listening to Josh share his, every part of me is in need of rest. "Goodnight, creepers."

I close the door to my bedroom behind me and lean against it, releasing a long sigh. A smile plays at my lips. Even though fatigue rests heavy on my eyelids, I'm too drunk on the evening to surrender to sleep just yet. I exchange my clothing for an oversized t-shirt and lie on the top of my lilac comforter, unlocking my phone.

A text from Josh that he must have sent before he drove away waits for me.

Josh: That was the best night I've had in a long time. P.S. I still want you.

Rachel: I agree. P.S. I still want you too.

I toss my phone aside and try to close my eyes, but I know sleep won't come. I pick up my phone and scroll through my contacts. 11:00 P.M. on a Sunday night. What are the chances Jordan, the mother of twin toddlers, is still awake? Why am I still awake? Tomorrow's going to suck, but I don't care. I need to talk to someone who understands. I text Jordan and she is awake, preparing for her class tomorrow.