ADELE’S POV

His words hung in the air between us, soft and heavy and perfect.

“I love you,” he repeated, voice rough with emotion. “I’ve loved you from the moment I set eyes on you. You drive me insane, Adele. You have no idea how fucking much I love you.”

My throat tightened. I stared at him, searching those dark, stormy eyes, and found nothing but raw truth.

“You don’t have to say it back,” he went on quickly, almost nervous. “I know I’ve been nothing but a jerk to you for months. I hurt you. Pushed you away. I just… I needed you to know how much you mean...