He knew how hard it was to say goodbye, he had experimented recently and like always it made him feel like shit. Somehow, her words made him feel better about the whole mess that was his life at that moment, he flashed her a small smile. She always had a way with words that helped him feel a lot better and this had not been the exception. He nodded, not being able to give her an answer when she talked about given themselves a second chance, not right now.
For one moment, Axel wished nothing more but to go back in time and be in this exact same place with her, before taking the decision of going to New York, when things in his life were in a better place. Looking at her reminded him of easier times and right now that’s what he needed but he couldn’t just ignore his current problems.
“I’m not that young and I keep making mistakes.” He found his body filling with a delectable warmth that was dangerously familiar. Sometimes he found himself thinking about her, but every time that happened he tried to push the thought away as he still couldn’t deal with the way he left her and how he didn’t even try to reach her after he did. Honestly, he was surprised she didn’t hate him for it.
The lingering taste on his lips haunted him, the space between a forced necessity to keep up the tension between them. Until this very moment, he had forgotten how much she could make him feel by a single action and he had to admit he’d missed it. “You don’t have to apologize. I’ve always felt the same way about you. We just have this connection.” One that he knew would never find with anyone else. He glanced away when she mentioned a second chance, not able to hold her gaze when he knew that right now he could not give her that. “Sometimes there are no second chances, Cat,” he said softly but it came out colder than he would have liked. “At least not now.”
“That’s alright, Ax.” Caterina nodded, “Second chances can wait. I know I’ve waited so long for you that just a little bit longer doesn’t seem so bad.” She cupped his cheek, seeing conflict battle in his eyes like a foe for life. What aren’t you telling me? “Look, I’m not looking to marry you tomorrow. But I can tell that your heart is torn into a million pieces. You can’t hide from me because I will always find you.” The truth was that no matter the distance or time that separated them, Caterina would always know where she could find Axel.Â
“The thing is, I was never one to pry in the first place. Because when you’re ready to tell me, you will.” She shrugged, knowing her relationship with Axel was complicated but always worth it. “Now that we’re back in each other’s lives, we’re actually going to be in each other’s life. I’m not leaving you and neither are you for me. The difference this time is I will hunt your ass down if you so much think about skipping this town.” She knew she wasn’t going to let him get away from her. Not run from their problems.
Caterina stood up, the rush of alcohol causing her to sway. She took off her jacket and let it pool by her feet on the dock. Then kicked off her shoes with no disregard. This wouldn't be a story of two broken hearts, tyring to make things work. It would just be a night to remember. “C’mon. You owe me one good adventure to make up for the last couple of years.” She placed her hands on her hips, in nothing but her dress to cover her bare necessities.Â
“I mean... Unless the Axel Fox I know has gone completely soft on me?”