Justin — POV
My hands moved up, thumbs grazing under the edge of her thin shirt, along the soft underside of her ribs.
"Say yes," I whispered, my voice cracking. "Not to them. To me."
My mouth caught hers again, a little deeper now. Still gentle—but my lips parted this time, brushing her bottom lip, asking. Please.
Her head tilted, almost imperceptibly. Enough to press a little closer. Her breath tangled with mine, sharp and uneven.
I held her face, thumbs trembling. My heart slammed so hard it hurt.
"June," I rasped. "If you want me… if you remember wanting me… kiss me back."
Nothing.
Then—
The faintest press of her mouth to mine. Barely there, softer than breathing. But hers.
My whole chest caved in, relief and grief and want crashing through me so hard I almost sobbed.
"Yes, baby," I whispered against her lips, voice shaking. "That's it. That's my girl."
