“Perfect,” said Trev.
Back at the apartment, I showered off the day’s heat, dressed, and went out to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. I startled when someone came and wrapped their arms around me from behind, but as soon as I smelled Trev’s spicy cologne I relaxed.
“I feel like we haven’t had a second alone in days,” he murmured gruffly as he brought his mouth to my neck and sucked.
I stifled a moan and shifted against him. “That’s probably because we haven’t.”
His hand went to my thigh, then moved up my belly and higher to cup my breast over the fabric of my blouse. I pulled away from him, because I knew if I let him continue we’d end up having sex right there against the fridge. Everyone was out of the apartment, but I still didn’t want to take the risk of being walked in on.
Trev smirked when I stepped over to the opposite side of the counter, effectively putting a barrier between us. Karla and the others would be here to collect us soon. We didn’t have time for sex, even though just looking at him made me want to tear his clothes off. Besides, now that we finally had a moment alone I wanted to tell him about Paula and Samuel.
“Can we talk for a second?”
Trev’s attention went to my outfit, lingering for a second longer than normal. Then his eyes wandered over my face and hair and his expression grew lustful. “You look incredible,” he breathed, like he didn’t even hear the question.
I laughed softly. “I could say anything right now and you wouldn’t hear a word.”
“That’s because I’m sexually malnourished,” he shot back with a sexy smile. “Take pity.”
I resisted the urge to smile back and sat down on a stool, gesturing for him to do the same. “This is serious, Trev. I want to talk to you about what happened the other day.”
In a heartbeat his face lost its humour, replaced with an expression of regret. He raked a hand through his hair and exhaled heavily.
“I crossed a line, I know that. I thought I was doing the right thing but I fucked up. No matter how hard I try I always seem to fuck everything up.”
Frowning, I lifted his hand and laced his fingers with mine. His breathing turned erratic when I brought his hand to my mouth and kissed it softly. I met his troubled gaze then said, “You didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, what you did was incredibly brave. You sacrificed your own happiness in order to help me find mine. Taking me to my aunt’s house was probably the most selfless thing you’ve ever done.”
His eyes flickered between mine, his features drawn in confusion, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “But they were awful to you. You were so upset and it was all my fault—”
“Yes, I was upset, but the following day I had a phone call from Paula.”
Trev brows jumped high into his forehead. “Your sister?”
I nodded. “Everything’s been so busy that I haven’t had the chance to tell you. She wanted to apologise for not standing up for me. I invited her to come see me after my gig that night and she came. She brought Samuel, too.”
“And what happened?” Trev asked, his eyes alight with interest. This was what I’d missed in the years he’d been gone. Focused attention. No distractions prohibiting my best friend from listening.
“We talked. We talked for hours. And that never would’ve happened if it weren’t for you.”
His face transformed with a wide smile. “That’s fantastic, Reya. I’m so happy for you.”
I smiled right back. “Well, I have you to thank for it. Back when we first met, I used to think all you ever cared about was yourself, but that wasn’t true. Now I know you care about me, too. I know that when you say you love me it isn’t just empty words. You really mean them.”
He swore and squeezed my fingers tight. “Fucking hell, Reya, of course I bloody well mean them.”
I stared at him then, remembering the therapy session I overheard back in Paris. “You’ve always loved me, haven’t you?” I said, the full realisation dawning on me.
Trev gave me a curious look. “What do you mean?”
I glanced away, unsure how to explain. I worried if I told him I eavesdropped he might feel angry or violated, which he had every right to. Even though it gave me huge insight into his thoughts and feelings, I still knew I never should’ve listened.
I chewed on my lip as I brought my gaze to his. “I have a confession, and I completely understand if you get angry.”
His muscles tensed for a second, his expression apprehensive. “Why would I be angry?”
I tried to muster as much apology into my voice as I could manage. “First off, I’m sorry, I never should’ve done it, but when we were in Paris I overheard some of a Skype call you had with your doctor.”
I studied his face for a reaction, but he’d gone very still. “What did you hear?”
“I heard you talk about the reason you kept me in the friend zone for so long. You knew you couldn’t maintain a romantic relationship and you didn’t want to lose me so you made sure we stayed only friends.”
Trev’s eyes flickered back and forth between mine. I had no clue what he was thinking, but then he surprised me when he said, “So this is how you know I always loved you.”
“It makes sense.”
He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before cupping my jaw. The look he gave me was so hot it sent shivers down my spine. “You made me happy. And yes, the idea of losing you terrified me. Also, yes, I have always loved you. At least, it feels that way. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I can’t remember a time when I didn’t. That seems like another life.”
I exhaled a long, shaky breath, my heart hammering as I asked, “So, you’re not angry?”
Trev’s gaze softened. “No, I hate to admit it, but I probably would’ve done the exact same thing. I always want to know what you’re thinking. If I could get even a tiny glimpse I’d take it in a heartbeat.”
“Man, I’m so glad I got that out. My guilt was twisting me upside,” I breathed.
Trev bent forward and whispered, his lips over mine. “If that’s the case I know a way you can alleviate some of that guilt.”
I smiled wide. “I’m all ears.”
Screw being walked in on. Maybe we did have time for sex after all.