Chapter 128: What a Coincidence—I Like You Too
Amelia sensed something was off about the whole situation, but they were going to get married eventually anyway, so... what was done was done.
It was just that their first taste of forbidden fruit had left them a bit wild. They'd holed up in Wayne's apartment for three solid days without stepping outside even once.
The original plan was to do some sightseeing nearby before flying home, but the more time they spent together, the more in sync they became—to the point where a single glance was enough to know what the other wanted. Day after day melted into passionate entanglement, and they'd kept putting off their return until now.
Sophia laughed in exasperation. "So what exactly are you two to each other right now?"
Amelia's voice came out small. "An... engaged couple?"
"But what if there was no engagement? You're not dating, you're not married—so what does that make you? Friends with benefits?" Sophia didn't pull her punches.
Amelia went quiet. The truth was, she'd been thinking their situation with Wayne had gotten a little out of control, but... she didn't actually seem to mind how it felt.
Not just the physical pleasure—though there was that—but more that she genuinely didn't mind being alone with Wayne. Being close to him. Living in their own little bubble inside his apartment.
Sometimes they'd hit up the grocery store together, coming back with bags full of ingredients to stock the fridge. He'd cook elaborate meals for her.
Often they'd sprawl on the couch watching movies, snacking and sipping wine. Even when they weren't getting physical, they still had a great time together.
She didn't just not mind it—it felt comfortable. Right, even.
Amelia's eyes suddenly went wide as realization dawned. She stared at Sophia in shock. "Oh God. Sophia, you don't think I've... fallen for Wayne, do you?"
Having long since clocked Amelia's emotional obliviousness, Sophia gave her a dry look. "What kind of falling are we talking about here?"
Amelia made an impatient noise. "The romantic kind, obviously!"
"That's easy to figure out. Go kiss Wayne—I mean a pure, innocent kiss. Just gently press your lips to his."
If she got nervous, shy, or her heart started racing... that meant she liked him.
Of course, Sophia was telling Amelia to test it, but she already knew the answer.
Ever since high school, when Amelia obsessed over why Wayne suddenly wanted to call off their engagement, she'd probably had feelings for him—she just hadn't realized it herself.
Sophia's own love life had been smooth sailing, so naturally she hoped Amelia would figure out her heart sooner rather than later and genuinely accept their engagement. Only then could she find real happiness.
Amelia had always been quick to act. After barely a second of thought, she nodded firmly. "Okay! I'll try it after we hang up!"
"Try away, but we still need to talk about you keeping secrets from me!" Sophia turned her face away with exaggerated indignation, putting on her best "I'm not easily won over" expression.
Amelia pouted. "I'm sorry, okay? Your Ladyship Sophia, please don't be mad at me!"
Hearing that wheedling baby-talk voice, Sophia's brow furrowed in distaste. "Could you please speak like a normal person? Having Bruce gross me out is more than enough."
Amelia instantly switched back to normal. "So... are you forgiving me?"
"For now." Sophia's lips quirked into a small smile.
"Thank you, Sophia! You're more merciful than God himself!" Amelia pressed her palms together in mock prayer, bowing reverently.
Hearing sounds from outside, Amelia glanced reflexively toward the door, then leaned closer to her phone and dropped her voice. "Wayne's back. I'm going to try it."
Sophia knew how anxious Amelia must be feeling, so she took the initiative to end the call.
Wayne came through the door carrying a shopping bag loaded with groceries and Amelia's favorite snacks.
He'd just locked the door when he heard rapid footsteps—clearly barefoot on the hardwood floor. He turned around, about to ask Amelia why she wasn't wearing slippers.
But then a slender figure flashed past his vision. Before he could get a word out, she'd already risen on her tiptoes, hooked her arms around his neck, and pressed her lips to his.
Wayne froze. This kiss was... different. Just a soft touch of lips, nothing like their usual heated, desire-filled kisses.
Yet it made his heart pound for no reason at all, and he couldn't figure out what she was up to.
He tilted his head slightly, meeting her curious gaze. After waiting a moment with no follow-up, his eyes darkened.
"Want to go again?" he asked, his tone casual as always.
To his surprise, Amelia's brow furrowed. She glared at him with clear irritation. "My back's still killing me from last time. I'm not even thirty yet—I'm not that desperate!"
Wayne's expression relaxed, one eyebrow rising. "Then what was that about?"
He was hoping—desperately hoping—to hear the answer he'd been waiting ten years for from the girl he loved.
Amelia let go of him, awkwardly averting her gaze as she drifted toward the living room. "I was just on video chat with Sophia."
Wayne assumed she was dodging the subject. Looked like he wasn't getting his answer today. He carried the groceries toward the fridge. "Yeah, I know."
Amelia curled up on the couch, hugging her knees, watching Wayne methodically unpack and organize the groceries. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke. "Sophia said if I kissed you, I'd know whether I liked you or not."
Wayne's movements stopped abruptly. His heart suddenly kicked into overdrive.
He closed the fridge door, tossed the remaining snacks onto the coffee table, then walked over and tilted up Amelia's chin, bending down to kiss her lips.
The whole sequence happened so smoothly she didn't have time to react.
Amelia's brain short-circuited. For several long seconds she couldn't process anything except the sound of her own heartbeat echoing through her chest and pounding in her ears.
How strange. They'd done far more intimate things before, but she'd never felt anything quite like this.
Wayne ruffled Amelia's short hair, looking directly into her eyes. "So?" he asked seriously. "Do you have your answer?"
Amelia's eyes flickered. She came back to herself, cheeks flushing as she looked away. "What about you?"
"You were drunk that night. I wasn't. I'm not the type to just sleep around." Wayne's lips curved into a smile. "Amelia, I've been waiting ten years. Can you finally give me an answer?"
Amelia's eyes widened as memories flooded back.
She could always reach Wayne with a single phone call—he never seemed busy, like he was constantly waiting to hear from her.
She could always find common ground with Wayne. When she fell in love with motorcycles after watching a race, he could talk to her about every brand and model. After they turned eighteen, he'd even bought bikes with her and taken her riding all over town.
She could always set Wayne off without meaning to—complaining about their engagement arrangement, watching a few too many episodes of James's web series. He'd get uncharacteristically sulky over the smallest things.
Wayne always seemed to show up when she was upset. Every time she'd storm out after a fight with her family, he'd appear within the hour.
Ten years. The signs had been there all along. She'd just been too oblivious to see them.
She'd actually thought it was just friendship this whole time.
She suddenly grabbed Wayne by the neck, pulling him down and planting a kiss on his lips. "I like you... I like you."
Wayne sat down beside her, sliding an arm around her waist and drawing her close.
"What a coincidence," he murmured. "I like you too."