Chapter 205 I Had To Make


    The First Move


    When Corrine felt she couldn''t breathe, Nate finally released her, leaving her gasping for air, his fingers lightly caressing her lips. "For three years, we shared starlit nights and dreams, nned futures and debated life''s meanings. I believed we shared an unparalleled connection."


    "What?" She was caught off guard by his sudden repeat of her own words.


    "Are you pretending not to understand?" Nate quirked an eyebrow, his lips curling into a teasing smile.


    Yet, Corrine sensed a thread of seriousness beneath his yful tone.


    She blinked, uncertain of how to reply.


    Impatient, Nate admitted, "Corrine, I''m jealous."


    Upon hearing this, Corrine''s expression softened, and she embraced him. "The past is the past. You are my present."


    "And I will be your future," Nate said confidently, his hand cradling her neck, his gaze piercing into hers. “I just wish I had been part of your life sooner."


    He wasn''t concerned with her history; his only regret was not being there for her


    earlier.


    She wouldn''t have gone through so much alone if he hade into her life earlier.


    A warmth spread through her as she gazed up into his eyes.


    His breath caressed her face, and she could feel the steady rhythm of his heart under her palm.


    His dark eyes brimmed with emotion, hinting he might kiss her once more.


    Despite the familiarity of his features, her heart still fluttered uncontrobly at the sight of him.


    Her heart was racing.


    "You can kiss me," Nate whispered.


    Corrine was stunned, and before she could react, he kissed her once more.


    He watched her eyes go from shocked to annoyed, his smile spreading to his eyes.


    Laughing softly as he pulled away, he teased her ear with a touch. "You''re always so shy. I had to make the first move."


    His words were cut short by the sound of her phone ringing.


    Spotting Jules'' name shing on the disy, she recalled leaving Karina and Jules hanging.


    With a quick nce at Nate, she moved to answer, stepping away slightly. "Yes, what''s


    up?"


    Karina''s voice came through loud and exasperated. "Where are you? Jules and I have


    been here for ages! Did you run off with some guy?"


    Worried Nate might catch the conversation, Corrine pressed the phone closer to her ear,


    but identally activated the speaker.


    Karina''s voice echoed around the room.


    Nate must have overheard everything.


    Corrine winced, wishing she could disappear.


    Pausing briefly, Corrine kept herposure. "Hello? Are you still there? The signal''s


    terrible."


    She promptly ended the call.


    Stunned, Karina managed to blurt out, "What? This is ridiculous!"


    Once the call was disconnected, Corrine turned to find Nate smirking at her.


    Her face warmed with a flush of embarrassment.