Aching for Adam

Chapter 9

ADAM

I rushed up the stairs, taking them two at a time, and ducked into the nearest guest bedroom. I shut the door behind me and sat on the edge of the bed in the dark.

What the hell was I thinking? Why had I kissed her—and more importantly, why in God's name had I stopped?

I had dreamt of that moment for so long, ever since the day she left. It had replayed in my head a million different ways after my sister told me she was coming to the wedding. Maybe that was why I finally admitted to myself I hadn't been in love with Jasmine. But never had I believed it would actually happen—that I would kiss Elle again.

And yet I had. Because I saw the same hunger in her eyes, and it pushed me over the edge.

And she kissed me back.

Her face had been luminous under the moonlight, the breeze teasing her hair, her scent flooding my senses. Her beauty was incomparable—but it wasn't just that. Knowing how smart, sassy, and utterly amazing she was made her irresistible. I hadn't been in control; my body had moved on instinct, driven by the desperate need to feel her again.

I told her I was sorry, but I wasn't. Not for a second. I'd do it a thousand times over. So why had I stopped?

Because I was terrified. If I ever got another chance with her, I wanted it to be right. Perfect. I couldn't risk ruining it by pushing too far, too fast.

Or maybe I was just a coward.

But she had wanted me. That spark in her eyes—it was real. I'd felt it like a jolt through my veins.

When I saw her crying, all I'd wanted was to scoop her into my arms, wipe away her tears, and promise she'd never have to hurt again. Dancing with her had been like coming home.

But she was taken.

A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts.

My sister slipped in, shutting the door behind her.

"Hey, you okay? One minute I'm watching you dance with Elle, the next you're bolting upstairs to hide." Her smile was sad.

I didn't answer. I just stared at the wall.

"She still has feelings for you, Adam. It's not too late."

I turned, incredulous. "You're wrong. She has a boyfriend."

But even as I said it, a spark of hope flared inside me. I tried to snuff it out.

When Elle left, it had destroyed me. I couldn't risk that again.

"Adam, she literally told me earlier she has unresolved feelings. Things aren't good with her boyfriend. If there was ever a time to try, it's now. Don't let her get away again. I know how much you love her." She sighed. "Look, maybe the odds are small. But if there's even the tiniest chance... are you really going to let it pass?"

Her hand closed around mine.

She was right. Elle had been upset when she saw me, and she had kissed me back. That had to mean something. Maybe not everything, but something. I needed to find out.

"I have to go," I said, rising to my feet.

"Wait, Adam. She left a few minutes ago." My chest tightened, but my sister went on: "She's staying at The Plaza."

My lips twitched. The Plaza. The night we'd all stayed there during that storm... the night I realized I wanted to marry her. She'd felt like family then. My family.

I slipped free of my sister's grip and headed for the door. "Thanks, sis."

She gave me a soft smile. "Good luck, big bro. Go get her."

***

ELLE

At the hotel, I exhaled a long sigh and collapsed onto the bed. Two thumps later, my shoes hit the floor.

But I couldn't sit still. I couldn't sleep. My mind kept spinning through the night—through the kiss, through the fact that I hadn't been able to find Adam to say goodbye. What if I'd just blown our only chance at something again? What if, right now, he was thinking kissing me had been a mistake?

I needed a drink.

Shoes back on, I headed down to the hotel bar. Forgetting my usual fruity cocktails, I ordered a shot of tequila and threw it back.

The guilt crept in almost immediately. Not that Rick deserved my guilt, but it was there all the same.

I pulled out my phone and dialed him. After four rings, he finally picked up, music pounding in the background.

"Hello?" he half-yelled.

"Hey. I thought you were having a quiet night," I said.

"What? Sorry, can't hear you. I'm at the bar with Ted!" he shouted.

"Who are you with, other than Ted?" I pressed, already hearing the feminine laughter in the background. It wasn't the first time he'd gone out with Ted and his so-called friends, conveniently leaving me off the guest list.

"Oh, just a few friends." A pause.

"Okay. Well, can you call me when you get home?"

"Uh, yeah. Maybe. I might just crash at Ted's. Safer than driving, you know?" More laughter in the background. "Listen, gotta go. Talk tomorrow."

The line went dead.

I stared at the phone, numb.

I didn't know if Rick was actually cheating. But the late nights, the locked phone, the constant excuses—it was the same sick pattern I'd seen before. I'd promised myself never again. Yet here I was.

And in that moment, I decided I was done.

Adam's kiss had reminded me of who I used to be, of what I deserved. Whether it was right or wrong didn't matter anymore. He'd given me the courage to finally leave Rick behind.

This time, I really would.

And then—I saw him.

Adam.

Striding into the hotel lobby, heading straight for the reception desk. A few seconds later, he turned toward the elevators.