°Amy’s POV°
“What?” The word slipped out before I could stop it. My voice cracked, thin as glass, and I blinked hard, but the tears still came anyway. “What did you just say?”
Christian’s eyes didn’t waver. He didn’t laugh it off. He didn’t take it back. Instead, he stepped closer and cupped my face with both his hands, his palms warm against my damp cheeks. His thumbs brushed the tears I couldn’t hide, his touch, gentle and steady.
“I said I like you,” he repeated, his voice softer this time, like he wanted the words to sink straight into me. “Very much. More than I should’ve admitted right now. But it’s the truth. And now that you’re here…” His eyes searched mine, slow and steady, “I’ll always be here for you, Amy.”
The tears broke loose then, sliding hot down my face. My chest caved
