Chapter 29: Time

Owen’s POV

“Stay with me,” I ask then, feeling the pressure of her lips against mine that beg for more. Hailey's pulse is racing and her breathing is short. Her lips are wet at the separation of our mouths and I can tell she is lost in me the same way I am lost in her.

“Just let this happen, Hailey. Stop being afraid... I promise you don't have to keep running away. This is real. We are, and we deserve the chance to enjoy it.” I slowly begin to caress her cheeks, and she nods. Her hands cling to my wrists, and for the first time, she seems as if she's willing to trust.

Her body separates slightly from mine, as her face rests on my chest as I kiss the crown of her head. I feel the sea breeze, tangling in her hair and mingling with her scent as I try to think of a time in my life when she has not been present, but it is impossible.

She lifts her face, leaving her gaze fixed on mine, and for a second it's easy to get lost in hers.