021

The drive back home is slow and nerve-wracking, the anxiety swirling in your chest making it hard to focus on the road. The conversation with Robin helped ease some of the weight, but it didn’t erase it. You’re still stuck in the tangled mess you created, and now you have to face the aftermath. You grip the steering wheel tighter, chewing on your bottom lip as you approach your apartment. The sight of Lauren’s car parked in its usual spot sends a wave of panic crashing through you. She’s home. Pulling into the lot, you cut the engine and sit there for a moment, staring at the front door of your building. You inhale deeply, trying to calm the nausea bubbling in your stomach. It feels like stepping into a battlefield. Lauren probably spent the night replaying every second of what happened, putting the pieces together. You don’t know what conclusions she’s come to, but you doubt they’re good.You force yourself out of the car, grabbing your bag and slinging it over your shoulder. Each step toward the door feels heavier than the last. By the time you unlock it and step inside, your hands are trembling. The apartment is eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of the fridge. For a moment, you think maybe you’re in the clear. Maybe she’s still at work or out somewhere. But then you hear some clattering coming from the kitchenette.

Your heart races as you look over. You find Lauren standing by the counter, a mug of coffee in her hands. She looks up from her cup when she notices you, her face pale and tired. Her eyes are puffy. It’s a punch to the gut. "Hey", you mumble softly, trying to gauge her mood. "Hey" she replies, her voice flat and weary. She looks back down at her mug, swirling the contents absently.You stand there for a moment, unsure of what to say. The air between you feels heavy, the silence stretching painfully. You shift on your feet, your stomach churning with guilt and unease. "Long day at work?" you ask tentatively, knowing full well work isn’t the reason she looks like this. She lets out a hollow laugh, "Sure, let’s go with that." You wince at her tone, hesitating before taking a seat at the table across from her. She doesn’t look at you, her eyes fixed on her coffee like it holds all the answers she needs. "Lauren…" you start carefully, your voice soft, "Are you okay?"

She finally looks up at you, her expression a mix of exhaustion and frustration. "Do I look okay, Sam?" she asks bluntly. You shake your head, swallowing hard. "Actually, no, you don’t." She sighs, setting her mug down and rubbing her temples. "I didn’t sleep much last night. I couldn’t stop thinking about… all that drama that happened in here again last night." You nod slowly, feeling the weight of her words. "I’m sorry about what happened. I know it must’ve been awful, hearing them argue like that." Her eyes flick to you briefly before returning to her mug. "It wasn’t just the arguing. It was… the realization, you know? That maybe Billy was right. That Eddie walked in because of you, not because he was confused or needed the bathroom. I mean, come on. He's been here before, multiple times. Maybe there’s more going on than I want to admit."Your heart clenches, panic rising in your chest. "Lauren, that’s not-"She cuts you off, shaking her head, "I’m not accusing you of anything, okay? I know you’re with Billy. And I know Eddie probably just… got the wrong idea or whatever. But still…" She trails off, her voice breaking slightly, "It hurt. Because I really thought… I thought we had something. You know? I know we kept it casual, that's why I didn't really tell you about him. But it felt different, at least to me. And when I kicked him out, and he really left, I was just, like a slap in the face. Ugh, I don't know, I sound stupid". You feel a lump form in your throat, guilt clawing at your insides. You weren’t expecting this. You weren’t expecting her to be so… vulnerable.

"Do you really like him?" you ask softly, your voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes snap to yours, and for a moment, she looks like she might burst into tears. But she holds it together, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I do" she admits, her voice quiet, "I really like him, Sam. I thought maybe he felt the same way, but now I don’t know. After last night, I just… I don’t know". You swallow hard, your stomach twisting painfully. She doesn’t know the half of it, and it kills you. But hearing her say that? Hearing her admit how much she cares about Eddie? It breaks something inside you. "I’m sorry," you say quietly, your voice thick with emotion. "I didn’t realize how much this meant to you." She gives you a weak smile, wiping at her eyes. "Don't be. It’s not your fault. It’s just… hard, you know? I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do now. I feel so stupid for thinking this was going somewhere. I even hoped he'd come back to talk last night, to just come back to my bed. But he didn't. And trust me, even I wasn't aware how much this apparently means to me". You shake your head, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "You’re not stupid, Lauren. And you don’t deserve to feel like this. If Eddie doesn’t see how amazing you are, then he’s an idiot". Why am I saying this? I had sex with this idiot only hours ago. I brushed my fucking teeth with his toothbrush, I should step the fuck away from her.

She lets out a shaky laugh, her lips curving into a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. I should just, I don't know, gather myself, shouldn't I". You force a small smile as Lauren’s laugh fades, but the guilt in your chest feels like it’s going to crush you. Her pain is your fault. Her misery, the sadness in her eyes - all of it. And she has no idea. Your stomach twists as you try to come up with something comforting to say, but the words stick in your throat. You can’t even look her in the eye anymore. Heat creeps up your neck, your jacket suddenly feels suffocating. You shift in your chair, tugging at the collar, and finally decide to shrug it off. Lauren’s eyes narrow as her gaze shortly drops down to you shirt. And the second you see her face change, you realize.

You're still wearing Eddie's shirt.

The one he gave you to sleep in, that smells like him, and now, you. You forgot to take it off during the rush of leaving his trailer, just got into your jeans and shoes, before running out, forgetting about it in the chaos. Fuck. FUCK. Your stomach sinks as Lauren’s eyes linger on the oversized fabric, her brow furrowing. "Wait" she says slowly, tilting her head, "that shirt... is that...?" You can barely breathe. Your mind scrambles, every possible excuse blurring together into a chaotic mess. "Is that Eddie’s?" she finally finishes, her voice filled with quiet confusion. You force a laugh, the sound so hollow and too high it makes your chest ache. "What?", you shout, way too loud, "No, it’s m-mine". Lauren blinks, her gaze flicking back to the shirt. "Yours?" Your face burns. "Yeah", you bring out quickly, tugging awkwardly at the hem, "I’ve had it forever. Got it at some random thrift shop years ago". Her eyes narrow again, and for a moment, you think she might call you out. But then she shrugs, leaning back in her chair. "Huh", she mumbles, "Weird. I could’ve sworn I’ve seen him wear that exact one". Your heart pounds so hard it feels like it’s echoing in your ears. "Well", you mutter nervously, voice wavering, "It's a great band. Guess lots of people own their merch". "Yeah, I guess", she mutters, her tone distracted as her gaze shifts away. "My god, I'm embarrasing", she lets out a dry laugh, "Look at me, even your fucking shirt reminds me of him". You exhale shakily, trying to keep it together. The guilt churns in your stomach, twisting like a knife. Lauren doesn’t know. She doesn’t suspect. 

But it doesn’t matter. Because you know. 

And sitting here, wearing his shirt, while she pours her heart out about how much she cares for him - it feels like the cruelest betrayal. You shift uncomfortably in your seat, guilt eating away at you like acid. "I'm sorry, Lauren", you mumble again, your voice barely above a whisper. She gives you a weak smile, still trying to brush off her own feelings.  "You don’t have to keep apologizing", she mutters, "I’m the one being pathetic. I mean, crying over a guy who clearly doesn’t care as much as I thought he did". Your chest tightens, the words slicing through you. You nod stiffly, swallowing hard. "I… I should probably shower before work", you manage, pushing yourself up from the chair. "I feel gross". And that's not even a lie. 

Your roommate doesn’t question it. She just nods and waves you off, her focus elsewhere. "Yeah, sure. Go ahead. I’ll be here". You force a tight smile, then hurry down the hall to the bathroom, your heart pounding in your chest. As soon as you’re inside, you close the door behind you and lock it. Your breathing is shallow, uneven. You lean back against the door, hands shaking as you reach down and tug off the shirt. 

Leaning back against the closed door, you hold it in your hands, staring down at it like it’s something alive, something dangerous. The fabric is soft, familiar. And then, without even thinking, you lift it to your face and inhale. The scent of him hits you immediately - cigarettes and after-shave, faint traces of him. It’s intoxicating and heartbreaking all at once, flooding your mind with memories of last night. The way he touched you. The way he mumbled your name like it meant everything. His arms around you, his lips on yours, kissing you as if he's drowning and you're his oxygen.

Your chest heaves, tears spilling down your cheeks as you clutch the shirt to you.

The fuck am I doing?

You throw it into the corner like it’s burning you, pressing your lips together as a shaky sob leaves your throat. With shaking hands, you unbuckle your belt, strip off your jeans and underwear and step into the shower, turning the water on as hot as you can stand, letting it scald your skin in an effort to scrub away every trace of him. Tears mix with water as you lean your head back, letting it run over your hair, your face, your body. But no matter how hard you try, it’s not enough. His touch, his scent, his presence - they’re imprinted on you now, and no amount of water will wash that away. 

Hawkins record shop07:43

The clock on the wall ticks closer to the end of your shift, but the minutes drag on like hours. For the past four hours, every time the doorbell jingled, your stomach flipped, expecting to see Eddie walk in. But he didn’t. You should feel relieved. After everything, the last thing you need is another confrontation with him. But instead, all you feel is this heavy weight in your chest, this strange ache that won’t go away. The record shop is quiet this evening, the kind of lull that usually makes time drag. You’re behind the counter, absentmindedly organizing some loose 45s that someone left scattered across the counter. The faint hum of a cassette playing on the shop’s stereo fills the space. Some old Bowie album your boss's been obsessed with lately. Pat’s in the back, where he usually is, going over inventory or payroll or whatever it is he does behind that closed door of his back-office. Every now and then, you hear the creak of his chair or the clink of a coffee cup.

It’s just the two of you today. Tuesdays are slow, so there’s no need for extra staff. You normally like that - having the shop mostly to yourself. But today, the quiet feels heavy. Your thoughts are loud in the silence, replaying the last 24 hours on a loop.

Somewhere behind you, a door opens, and Pat emerges from his office again, holding his now-empty coffee mug. He leans against the counter casually, watching as you finish sorting the loose 45s for what feels like the hundredth time today.  "You’re really off your game today, kid", he says with a chuckle, but his tone is light. He’s trying to make you laugh, not press too hard. "Sorry. Just tired", you lie, not even bothering to try and make it sound convincing. Your boss nods, his expression understanding. "Yeah, I get that. Liv kept me up half the night. Teething, I think. Kids, man. They don’t warn you about the sleep deprivation when they hand ‘em to you". You manage a small smile, appreciating his effort to lighten the mood. "Sounds rough", you mumble, while glancing at him. He nods and shoots you a telling gaze. "Ugh, it is", he chuckles, setting the mug on the counter. "So, whatcha doing this evening? Any big plans?"

The question catches you off guard, pulling your thoughts back to this morning when Eddie asked you the same thing. Your chest tightens at the memory, and you fumble for a response. "Uhm, I’m probably headed home", you mumble, shuffling the 45s around again. "Already?”, Pat teases, giving you a mock look of disapproval. "Man, when I was your age, Tuesday night didn’t mean a thing. We’d still find a way to hit a bar or catch a gig". While forcing up a weak laugh, you shake your head, "Yeah, well… I guess I’m just boring". He doesn’t press further, sensing that your mind is elsewhere. "Alright, well, don’t forget to lock up. I’m heading out early tonight to give Liv’s mom a break from that little teething monster". "Got it", you nod, and Pat gives you a small smile before heading for the door. The bell jingles as he leaves, and you’re alone in the shop again. The quiet feels suffocating now, and you lean against the counter, letting out a shaky breath.

Why does this hurt so much? You should be relieved Eddie didn’t show up. Relieved he’s not here to push you into another argument, to force you to confront feelings you’re not ready to face. But all you feel is this gnawing emptiness. And it’s unbearable. 

The clock on the wall ticks louder than usual, or maybe that’s just your nerves amplifying everything. It’s 7:54 now, and you decide to just lock up and leave. All you want, is to curl up in your bed and cry. You sigh heavily, grabbing the small pile of receipts from the counter and heading to the back room to put them away. The faint buzz of the fluorescent light above hums as you move through the narrow hallway, the sound merging with the dull thrum of your thoughts. You flick the switch to turn off the main shop lights, leaving the front bathed in shadows. After placing the receipts on Pat's desk, you step into the back room, grabbing your bag and jacket from the hook on the wall. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the small mirror hanging above the utility sink. You look tired. More tired than you thought. Your eyes are puffy, rimmed red from the crying you did in Robin’s break room earlier.  "Get it together", you mutter under your breath, shrugging on your jacket and pulling your bag strap over your shoulder. As you head back out, you flick off the last of the lights on the back, plunging the shop into near darkness except for the faint glow of the streetlights filtering through the front windows. You reach for the keys in your pocket, ready to lock up and finally go home, when you hear it. 

The soft jingle of the doorbell. 

For the first time today, you don’t freeze. Pat. Of course. It’s always Pat, doubling back because he forgot his wallet or keys. You chuckle to yourself, shaking your head as you head back to the front, already calling out. "Pat, I swear, one day you’re gonna forget your own head if it wasn’t attached to your shou-"

The words die in your throat the moment you step into view, realizing it's not your boss, who came back to grab his forgotten stuff.

It’s Eddie.

He’s standing there, just inside the door, his hand still on the handle. The dim light casts shadows over his face, but you can see the tension in his jaw, the way his shoulders are stiff. He looks… unsure. Like he doesn’t know if he should be here. Your heart stutters, the air leaving your lungs as the two of you lock eyes. For a second, all you can do is stare, the weight of the day crashing back over you like a tidal wave. 

"Eddie, w- what are you doing here?", you finally ask, your voice quieter than intended. He sighs deeply, staring at you with an intensity that makes your chest tighten. "I don't want it to be over. I don't want us to be over, Sam"

Eddie’s words hit you like a freight train.For a second, the world around you goes still, and all you can hear is the pounding of your own heartbeat in your ears.

You open your mouth to respond, but no words come out. You just stand there, staring at him, trying to make sense of everything that’s swirling around in your head. Eddie sighs again, his voice strained, as if he's fighting to keep it together, "I can't fucking let you go". His eyes are wide, filled with frustration and something deeper. Something that both scares and pulls you in all at once. "You’re everywhere in my head, and I can’t escape it". You just stare at him, in the darkness of the shop, trying to understand what's happening. Your breath hitches as you try to maintain your composure, but every word he says makes you feel like your foundation is crumbling beneath you. You want to shout at him, tell him to leave the shop, to leave you alone. But instead, you stand there, a lump in your throat, trying to ignore the way your heart aches with every second he’s here. "You shouldn’t be here", you finally manage, but even as the words leave your lips, you know you don’t mean them. It’s a reflex, a defense mechanism to push him away before he can hurt you even more.His expression darkens, frustration flashing in his eyes. Eddie steps closer, the weight of his words sinking deeper with each passing second. "No, I should be right here. With you. Because I'm not giving up on this. I can't give up on this. I don't fucking want to". He runs his hand through his hair, throwing another long look at you with those hurt eyes, making your stomach twist in guilt. "Please, I- This... It was a mistake, Eddie. I- I'm sorry, but... what happened was a mistake". The words leave your mouth in a trembling rush, and you hate the way your voice breaks. You hate the way Eddie flinches, his eyes narrowing as his jaw tightens. "A mistake?" His voice is sharp, incredulous, like he can’t believe what he just heard. He takes another step closer, and now he’s so close that you can see the tension in his hands, the way his fingers twitch as if he wants to grab you but doesn’t know if he should. "Is that what last night was to you? A mistake?", he rasps, and you feel how your throat tightens, the lump there growing unbearable. "Eddie, don’t do this-" "Don’t do what, Sam? Call you out on your bullshit?", he cuts you off, his voice rising, the frustration and anger pouring out of him, "You want to act like what we have doesn’t mean anything, like I’m some fucking random guy you can just walk away from. But I’m not, and you know it". "You don’t understand", you snap, the words tumbling out before you can stop them, "I had to end it. I had to". He scoffs dryly, "Don’t give me that bullshit. Nobody’s making you do this. Nobody’s telling you to walk away from this. You’re choosing to". Tears sting your eyes, but you refuse to let them fall. "I’m choosing to because it’s the only way to stop this train wreck from destroying everything in its path!", you yell, your voice cracking, "Do you have any idea what it’s like to see Lauren sitting in my kitchen, Eddie? To hear her talk about you? What we’ve started? Do you know how fucking hard that is?". Eddie’s jaw tightens, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "Lauren and I were nothing, Sam. Nothing. Just some hookups when we were drunk or bored, nothing serious, and she knew that. I never felt anything for her". You shake your head, trying to block out his words, trying to steady yourself against the tidal wave of emotions threatening to drown you. "To her, it did mean something. And now she’s heartbroken because of me. Because I couldn’t control myself. It doesn’t matter what you felt or didn’t feel for her. What matters is that she’s hurting, and it’s because of me. And Billy-""Fuck Billy!" Eddie shouts, cutting you off, his voice loud enough to make you flinch. His face is twisted with anger, his eyes wild with frustration. "I don’t give a shit about Hargrove. I don’t care about his stupid temper or whatever history you have with him. He doesn’t matter. None of them do. The only thing I care about is you. Is us". You shake your head, stepping back as if putting physical distance between the two of you will make this easier. "There is no us", you say quietly, your voice trembling, "There can’t be". Eddie’s face twists, pain flashing across his features before anger takes over again. "Bullshit", he snarls, his voice shaking, "You’re lying. I can see it. I can fucking feel it. You feel the same way I do, and you’re just too scared to admit it"."Don’t tell me what I feel", you snap back, the heat of your own anger bubbling to the surface. "Then say it", he challenges, stepping even closer. His voice is a mix of frustration and desperation now. "Say it, Sam. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want me. Make me believe you. Tell me you don’t feel the same way I do, and I’ll walk out of here right now".

The silence between you is deafening. His chest is heaving, his eyes boring into yours, daring you to say the words. But you can’t. You can’t bring yourself to lie, because the truth is written all over your face, in the way your body aches to reach out for him even now.

"Fuck", Eddie mutters, his voice breaking as he runs a hand down his face, "You can’t even say it, can you? You can’t say it because you do feel it. You do want this".You’re shaking now, your emotions unraveling. "I can’t", you whisper, your voice cracking under the weight of it all, "I can’t want this, Eddie. I can’t want you. It’s wrong". "Wrong?" He lets out a bitter laugh, his eyes wild and glassy. "You think this is wrong? Last night didn’t feel wrong to me, Sam. It felt-" He cuts himself off, his voice catching, and he looks away for a moment, as if trying to compose himself. When he looks back, his gaze is softer but no less intense. "It felt like the only thing that’s made sense in a long fucking time".His words hang in the air. You just look at him, unable to say anything. The room around you feels impossibly small, the air heavy as the two of you stare at each other.

And then, in one swift movement, Eddie steps forward, his hands cupping your face as his lips crash against yours. It’s messy and desperate, full of all the frustration and longing that’s been building between you. You give in, kiss him back with just as much intensity, your hands gripping his shirt as if letting go would shatter you. His big hands tremble against your face, his thumbs brushing away the tears you didn’t even realize were falling. The kiss is raw, like both of you are trying to pour everything you can’t say into it. Every ounce of anger, longing, and confusion bleeding into the way his lips move against yours. You pull him closer, your fists tangled in his shirt, clinging to him like he’s the only solid thing in a world that’s spinning out of control. He pulls back just a little, his breath ragged as he whispers, "Don’t tell me you don’t feel it, Sam. Don’t you fucking dare". Lips hover dangerously close to yours, his warm breath brushing your skin as his hands slide down your arms, his touch slow and deliberate when he mumbles darkly, "Don't tell me it feels wrong to you when I'm this close". You can’t breathe. His words, his voice, his presence - it’s overwhelming, suffocating in the best way. He presses his forehead against yours, his fingers trailing down your arms, over your hips, until his hands settle on your waist. His touch is electric, sending shivers racing down your spine as he pulls you closer, his grip possessive.  "Don’t lie to me, baby", he murmurs, his voice dark and thick with need. One of his hands drifts to your lower back, sliding beneath the hem of your shirt to press against your bare skin. "Does this feel wrong to you?" You shudder, a quiet gasp escaping your lips as his touch ignites something deep inside you. "Eddie..." you whisper, your voice trembling. He doesn’t stop, doesn’t let you pull away. His other hand cups your cheek, his thumb brushing over your jaw as he tilts your head up to meet his eyes. "And when I do this?" His lips graze your neck, soft and lingering, his stubble scratching your skin just enough to make you gasp again. You’re unraveling, the fight draining out of you as every nerve in your body lights up under his touch. "I-", you start, but the words catch in your throat. He groans softly, his lips moving to your collarbone, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. "Say it" he murmurs against your skin, "Tell me this is wrong. Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll stop. But don’t lie to me, Sam. I can feel it - every time you look at me, every time I touch you. I know you feel it too".

Your hands find his shoulders, clutching him desperately as he presses closer. His hands slide down to your thighs, gripping them firmly as he steps between your legs. You stumble back, your body weak beneath the weight of everything he’s making you feel. The edge of the counter catches you, and before you know it, Eddie is lifting you onto it, his hands strong and steady. Your legs part instinctively, your body moving on its own as he steps between them, his hips pressing against yours. "How could this be wrong?", he whispers, his voice low and rough, his hands sliding up your thighs, gripping you like he’s afraid to let go, "To make each other feel like this?" You feel his lips on your neck again, your stomach flooded with tingles, your heart pounding in your ears as you let your head fall back, trembling beneath his touch. His lips find yours again. "You feel it, don't you?", he whispers lowly, his hands now gripping your lower back to pull you further into him. His scent is everywhere around you. His warmth presses against you, just like his lips that found your mouth again. "Of course I feel it" you whisper, your voice cracking as you finally let the words escape, "You know I do".Eddie growls softly, his hands gripping your hips tighter as his lips crash against yours again. This kiss is different - hungrier, more desperate. It’s like he’s pouring every ounce of frustration, desire, and need into it, and you match him with the same intensity. You're pulling him closer as your bodies press together, the heat between you almost unbearable. His hands roam over you, exploring every curve, every inch of skin he can reach. You’re melting into him, your resolve crumbling as you lose yourself in the moment, in him. And when his hands slide to your thighs, squeezing them as he pulls you closer, you let out a small, breathless moan against his mouth. "You drive me crazy, you know that?" he mutters against your lips, his voice ragged as his hands trail up under your shirt, the roughness of his palms on your bare skin sending shivers down your spine. "Every time I see you, every time I think about you - " His lips find your neck again, his teeth grazing your skin in a way that makes you gasp. "I can’t fucking think straight", he whispers. You’re trembling beneath his touch, your body responding to him in ways you can’t control. Your fingers tangle in his hair, tugging him closer as he presses kisses along your collarbone, his stubble scratching deliciously against your skin.  "Eddie", you breathe, his name coming out like a plea as your head falls back, exposing more of your neck to him. His hands grip your hips, pulling you flush against him as he growls softly, his breath hot against your skin. "Say it again", he murmurs, his lips brushing against your ear, "Tell me you feel it. Tell me you want this". "I do", you admit, your voice barely above a whisper, "I want this. I want you".

That’s all it takes. Eddie’s hands slide to the small of your back, pulling you impossibly closer as his lips find yours again, devouring you with a hunger that leaves you breathless. You feel the edge of the counter beneath you as he leans into you, his body pressing against yours in a way that makes your head spin. Warm hands roam over you, exploring every inch of your body, and you don’t stop him. You don’t want to. All you can think about is the way he makes you feel. Alive, desired, like nothing else in the world matters but this moment, but him. You’re lost in him, in his touch, his kisses, the way he’s looking at you like you’re the only thing that exists. And for the first time in what feels like forever, you let yourself feel it all.

Eddie's pulling you closer as if the space between you two is unbearable. Your legs tighten around his waist, and your arms curl around his neck, holding him to you as if letting go would make this moment shatter into pieces. His lips are insistent on yours, hot and demanding, and you respond with equal fervor, your fingers tangling in his hair, tugging lightly, earning a low, guttural groan from him that sends a shiver down your spine. The dark shop feels like it’s closing in around you, the faint glow from the streetlights outside spilling through the windows, casting hazy patterns on the floor. But none of it matters. Nothing matters but him. Eddie shrugs off his jacket, your lips never leaving his as he tosses it aside. You do the same, pushing your own jacket down your arms before his hands are on you again, gripping your waist, sliding up your sides, making you gasp against his mouth. Something falls from the counter, crashing to the floor with a loud clatter, but neither of you flinch. Neither of you care. The sound is swallowed by the heavy breathing, the quiet whimpers that escape your lips when his hands roam lower, gripping your thighs, pulling you closer. Your kiss deepens, desperate and consuming, until something flickers in the back of your mind. You stiffen slightly, breaking the kiss with a breathless whisper. "...the door"He pauses lets out a low, breathless laugh. "Oh, right", he mutters, his lips quirking into a smirk, "Wouldn’t want someone walking in on us, huh?" Reluctantly, he steps back, his hands dragging slowly down your thighs as he moves away. You can’t help but notice the bulge in his jeans, impossible to ignore as he walks across the shop. The sight of it makes your stomach flip, heat pooling low in your belly. He glances over his shoulder as he reaches the door, catching you biting your lip, your cheeks flushed, your breaths shallow. His gaze darkens, and for a moment, he just stands there, his hand on the lock, staring at you like he’s already undressing you with his eyes. 

With a soft click, he turns the deadbolt, locking the door. Then, without another word, he’s moving back toward you, his steps deliberate, his eyes never leaving yours. You feel your pulse quicken, your heart pounding in your chest as he closes the distance between you.  When he reaches you, he’s back between your legs in an instant, his hands gripping your hips as his lips crash into yours again. The kiss is deeper this time, more urgent, like he can’t get enough of you. His hands wander up your thighs, squeezing them as he presses his body against yours, his arousal unmistakable as it presses against your core. "You see what you do to me?", he murmurs against your lips, his voice low and rough, "You make me this way without even trying". A soft moan escapes your lips as his hands slide to your butt, pulling you closer to him. His lips leave yours to trail down your jaw, then your neck, his stubble scraping your skin in a way that makes you shiver. When his lips find that sensitive spot just below your ear, you let out a quiet, breathless moan, your head falling back to give him more access.  "Fuck", he mutters against your skin, his breath hot as his hands tighten on your hips, "I could listen to that sound all night". He presses his hips against yours, letting you feel just how much he wants you, and it sends a wave of heat rushing through you. Your hands slide under his shirt, the heat of his skin searing against your fingertips as they glide over the toned muscles of his stomach. Your touch is deliberate, exploring the dips and ridges of his abdomen until your fingers find the trail of hair disappearing into his jeans. Eddie’s breath hitches, his body tensing slightly as your hand grazes the bulge straining against his zipper. "Shit", he mutters, his hips jerking forward involuntarily at your touch. The soft wince that escapes him makes you smirk, a wicked kind of satisfaction blooming in your chest as you see how easily you can unravel him. Eddie’s hands find the hem of his shirt, and with one fluid motion, he grabs the back of it and pulls it over his head, tossing it carelessly to the floor. Your gaze falls on his bare chest, the dark tattoos inked into his skin standing out in the dim light, and your breath catches in your throat. He’s gorgeous, and for a moment, all you can do is stare. His lips curve into a knowing smirk. "Like what you see, sweetheart?", he teases, though his voice is rough. Instead of answering, you lean forward, your lips pressing to the warm skin of his chest. He inhales sharply, his hands instinctively tightening on your thighs as your kisses trail across his chest, lingering over his tattoos before moving up to the hollow of his throat. The low groan that rumbles from him sends a shiver straight through you, and when your hands brush over the growing bulge in his jeans again, he lets out another strangled cuss.His head tilts back, exposing his neck to you, and you take full advantage, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin there. Your hands glide over the warm, tattooed expanse of his torso, your nails tracing lightly down his sides. Each graze of your touch sends a shiver through Eddie’s body, his muscles flexing under your fingertips. You revel in the way he responds to you, in the way his breath hitches and his hands tighten on your thighs, pulling you closer like he can’t stand even an inch of space between you. As your fingers move lower, they find the rough leather of his belt, and you pause for just a moment, glancing up at him. His dark eyes are locked on you, his chest heaving with every ragged breath. There’s a storm of desire in his gaze, and it’s almost enough to make you forget how to breathe. "Sam", he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly, full of a warning and a plea all at once. You smirk at the way his resolve is cracking, your fingers toying with the buckle of his belt. "Yeah?", you tease, your voice soft and laced with wicked intent as you begin to undo the buckle. He groans softly, his hips twitching forward slightly as if his body is acting on instinct, desperate for your touch. "You’re driving me insane", he mutters, his hands sliding up your thighs and under your shirt, his rough palms branding your skin as they move to your waist. He dips his head, his lips capturing yours again in a searing kiss that steals what little breath you have left.As his tongue tangles with yours, your hands work to unfasten his belt, the sound of the metal clinking in the quiet shop making your heart race. The anticipation is electric, coursing through you like a live wire as you push the belt open and move to the button of his jeans. Eddie breaks the kiss, his forehead resting against yours as his breath comes in short, heated bursts. "You’re playing a dangerous game", he murmurs, his voice thick and heavy with desire. "Am I?", you whisper, your fingers brushing over the zipper of his jeans, feeling the heat of him beneath the fabric. He lets out a sharp inhale, his hands gripping your waist tighter as if to steady himself. "Yeah", he breathes, his voice strained, "But I’m not complaining".His lips crash into yours again, harder this time, his kiss full of raw hunger and unspoken need.  Your fingers work to tug his jeans open, the metal zipper sliding down with a sound that only fuels the fire inside you. You brush against him through the thin fabric of his boxers, and the reaction is immediate - a sharp, almost guttural groan escapes his soft lips, long fingers clawing into your skin. His hands move with purpose, gripping the hem of your shirt and pulling it over your head in one swift motion. The cool air of the shop grazes your skin, but it’s nothing compared to the heat radiating off him. You sit there before him, your black bra clinging to your chest, your breath coming in shallow, uneven bursts. His eyes rake over you like he’s trying to memorize every inch of you, his pupils blown wide with hunger. You’re trembling, the ache of wanting him consuming every inch of you, every nerve in your body on fire. When you finally let your hand slip past the waistband of his boxers, his sharp intake of breath sends a shiver down your spine. Your fingers wrap around his dick, and you feel him twitch beneath your touch, impossibly hard and hot against your palm. Eddie groans, his head falling forward to rest against your shoulder for a moment as he struggles to keep himself together. His grip on your waist tightens, and you feel his lips brushing against your collarbone, soft but desperate. The sound of his groan, the way his body reacts to you, it’s intoxicating. You slowly stroke him, testing the effect you have on him, and the way his hips buck into your hand makes you smirk. "Fucking hell", he growls against your skin, his lips trailing up your neck before capturing your mouth in another searing kiss. It’s all teeth and tongue, messy and frantic, like he can’t get enough of you. One of his hands slides around to your back, expertly unhooking your bra, and he pulls it from you, tossing it aside. You’re melting beneath his touch, your body arching into him as his mouth presses on yours, his hand cupping your breast.

Then, he swiftly guides you back, laying you down on the cold surface of the counter. The contrast of the chill beneath you and the heat radiating from him sends a shiver through your entire body. He doesn’t even seem to notice the clatter of items falling to the floor around you. Papers, pens, and God knows what else scattered in his frantic need to make space for you. His hands are firm on your hips, tugging at the waistband of your jeans as his lips move down your body, leaving a trail of fire. He kisses over your neck, your collarbone, down between your breasts, his stubble scratching your sensitive skin just enough to make you gasp. His fingers work quickly, unzipping your jeans and tugging them down as you kick off your boots, the denim sliding over your legs with his help. You’re left in nothing but your underwear, the cool air grazing your exposed skin and making you shiver. Eddie straightens up for just a moment, his dark eyes raking over you sprawled out beneath him, the glow of the streetlights outside casting streaks across your bare skin. He looks wrecked, his chest heaving, his lips red and swollen from kissing you, his erection straining painfully against the fabric of his boxers. You're gasping at the sensation of his hands gliding over your naked thighs, spreading them slightly as he steps closer, before gliding beneath your back, pulling you up from the counter in one swift motion until your chest is pressed against his. His lips slam into yours, raw and desperate, his tongue tangling with yours in a kiss that steals the breath right out of you. You can feel the tension in his body, the way his fingers dig into your skin, like he’s trying to keep himself from completely losing control. As his lips devour yours, his other hand moves lower, sliding down between your spread thighs. He presses his palm firmly against you over your panties, and you can’t help the soft gasp that escapes against his lips. A smirk mixes into the kiss, his fingers brushing lightly over the fabric, teasing you as you squirm beneath his touch.  "Eddie…", you whisper, your voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and desire, and that seems to drive him even wilder. "Patience, sweetheart", he murmurs, his voice dark and dripping with need. His fingers trace a slow, agonizing path along your core, the thin fabric of your panties doing nothing to dull the sensation. "You’re already so worked up for me. I can feel it". You can’t hold back the soft moan that escapes you as he continues his teasing, his touch sending shivers coursing through your entire body. His lips move to your neck, sucking and nibbling gently at the sensitive skin there as his fingers dip beneath the edge of your panties, grazing against your bare skin.  The contact makes you gasp sharply, your nails digging into his shoulders as you cling to him. He growls softly against your neck, clearly enjoying the way you react to him, the way your body responds to his every touch. "Tell me what you want, baby", he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly as his fingers glide lower, teasing you with just enough pressure to drive you insane, "Tell me how much you want me". Your head falls back, exposing your throat to him as his lips leave a trail of fire across your skin. "Fuck", you breathe, your voice trembling with desperation as your hands tangle in his hair, pulling him closer. "I want you so much it fucking hurts""That’s my girl", he growls, his lips crashing against yours again as his fingers finally slide deeper, brushing against your most sensitive spot and sending a jolt of pleasure through your entire body. The sensation makes you whimper against his mouth, your hips bucking instinctively against his hand. Eddie groans in response, his free hand gripping your waist to hold you steady as he works his fingers against you, the heat between you both building to a fever pitch. He doesn’t stop, his fingers moving in slow, deliberate strokes that leave you breathless. Dark eyes stay locked on yours, heavy-lidded with desire, as his thumb starts circling that sensitive bundle of nerves. You can’t stop the gasp that escapes you, your hands clutching at his shoulders as your hips shift instinctively toward his touch. "My god. You’re so wet for me, baby. You can’t hide it".You nod helplessly, your head falling back as he continues, his movements firm but unhurried, like he’s savoring every reaction he draws from you. Your breathing grows ragged, each stroke of his fingers sending a new wave of heat through your body.  He presses a kiss to the side of your neck, his lips soft and warm against your skin as he whispers, "I could do this all night. Watch you fall apart for me like this…"A soft whimper slips past your lips as his pace shifts, his fingers curling just right inside you, and he groans low in his throat when you tighten around him. "That’s it", he murmurs, his voice laced with pride and hunger, "Let me feel you, baby". His thumb presses harder against you, and your body trembles in response, your nails digging into his skin. The intensity of his touch, the way he’s watching you like you’re the only thing in the world that matters, has you teetering on the edge. 

Just when you feel like you’re about to fall apart completely, Eddie slows, his fingers withdrawing slightly before slipping back in, dragging against your walls in a way that has your toes curling. You bite your lip, your breaths coming in short, uneven gasps as he works you closer and closer to the edge. 

Finally, he pulls his fingers free, but only after another slow, lingering stroke that leaves you trembling. You barely have a second to miss his touch before you see him bring his hand up, his fingers glistening with your arousal. His dark, hungry gaze meets yours, and he smirks before sliding his fingers into his mouth, his lips closing around them as he tastes you. While his eyes never leave yours, he's  groaning low in his throat like you’re the most intoxicating thing he’s ever experienced.The sight of him - his messy hair, the way his lashes flutter closed for just a moment as he savors the taste of you - sends a bolt of heat straight through you. You can feel your cheeks burning, but you don’t care. All you can focus on is how effortlessly he has you coming undone with just a look, with just the simplest of actions.

Eddie’s breath hitches as he steps back just slightly, the need in his dark eyes clear as he runs a hand through his tousled hair. Without a word, he reaches back, sliding his hand into the pocket of his jeans that are still hanging low on his hips. With a practiced motion, he pulls out his wallet, flipping it open and producing a condom from one of the folds. You raise an eyebrow at him, unable to help the teasing tone in your voice as you say, "You just carry one of those everywhere?". He winks at you, his smirk so maddeningly charming it makes your stomach twist in excitement. "What can I say? Always be prepared", he quips, but then his voice lowers, his gaze locking with yours as he adds, “Not like I’d need it for anyone else". His words settle over you, calming any flicker of jealousy that dared creep up. His attention turns back to his task, and your breath catches when he hooks his thumbs into the waistband of his boxers, pushing them down just enough to free his erection. Your eyes drop instinctively, and the sight of him, hard and ready, sends a fresh wave of heat coursing through you. He tears the foil packet open with his teeth, making quick work of rolling the condom on, his movements efficient but unhurried. Your thighs instinctively spread wider as you watch him, his movements efficient yet impatient, like he can’t wait another second to be inside you. When his eyes meet yours again, they’re full of raw hunger, his control hanging by a thread. "Ready?", he rasps as he steps back between your legs, his hands finding your hips to pull you closer to the edge of the counter.  "Yes", you whisper, your voice trembling with anticipation as your hands reach out to steady yourself against his shoulders. "I need you, Eddie. I can’t wait anymore".He groans softly at your words, his grip on your hips tightening as he aligns himself with you. "Good", he murmurs, his lips brushing against yours in a quick, hungry kiss. "Because I’m not waiting either"

He exhales shakily, his forehead pressing to yours for a fleeting second as he steadies himself. You can feel the heat radiating from him, the tension coiling between your bodies as his fingers dig into your hips, holding you steady. His gaze flickers over your face, his eyes dark and full of desire, before he leans in, brushing his lips against yours in a kiss so soft and fleeting that it leaves you breathless.

But then his hunger takes over. The kiss deepens, his lips claiming yours as he pulls you even closer to the edge of the counter. You gasp against his mouth as you feel him begin to press into you, the sensation overwhelming, electric. He groans low in his throat as he slowly sinks into you, his grip tightening as he buries himself deeper, inch by inch, until he’s fully seated inside you. The stretch, the heat, the connection - it’s too much and not enough all at once, and you cling to him, your nails digging into his shoulders as you adjust to the fullness. "You feel so fucking good", he rasps, his voice strained, his breathing heavy as he stills for a moment to let you catch your breath. Your head falls back, a soft moan slipping from your lips as you move your hips experimentally, testing the waters, and Eddie lets out a broken sound that’s half-groan, half-whimper. "Fuck, don’t do that unless you want me to lose it already", he warns, his lips brushing against your neck. But you don’t stop. You can’t. The ache inside you, the desire that’s been building for so long, is unbearable, and you need him to move, to do something, to give you everything he’s been holding back. "Eddie", you whisper, your voice barely audible, "Please…" He doesn’t need to be told twice. With a guttural growl, he grips your hips and begins to move, slow at first, his thrusts measured and deliberate as he watches your reaction. His eyes stay locked on yours, dark and intense, as if he’s memorizing every expression, every sound you make.  You cling to him tighter, your legs pulling him impossibly closer as he drives into you with an intensity that leaves you breathless. His grip on your hips is firm, his fingers pressing into your skin as though he’s trying to anchor himself to you, to this moment. The counter groans beneath you, its creaks echoing through the dimly lit shop, but neither of you cares.  The sounds of your bodies moving together fill the air, raw and unrestrained. His deep groans vibrate against your skin as his mouth travels along your neck. Each thrust sends another wave of pleasure coursing through you, your gasps and moans growing louder, echoing the sheer need between you. Your hands roam over his bare back, nails grazing lightly against his skin as you arch into him, meeting him thrust for thrust. The heat building between you is overwhelming, every nerve in your body alight with sensation.  "Oh, god yes", you gasp, your voice trembling, your fingers tangling in his hair to pull him even closer. His lips crash against yours again, the kiss desperate and consuming, as if he’s trying to pour every ounce of emotion he can’t put into words into the way his mouth moves against yours. His hands slide under you, gripping your lower back to lift you slightly, changing the angle just enough to make you cry out his name. "Fuck, that’s it", he mutters against your lips, his voice heavy with both need and satisfaction, "Let me hear you, baby. I want to hear how good I make you feel". You can barely think, barely breathe, as his movements grow more relentless, more intense. Your body responds to him instinctively, moving with him, chasing the pleasure that’s building inside you like a wave threatening to crash.  "I'm close" you whisper, your voice cracking as you cling to him, your legs tightening around his waist. "I know, and I'm not stopping until you're there", he murmurs, his breath hot against your ear as he slows just enough to tease, to drag out every ounce of pleasure he can give you. His hand slides between your bodies, his fingers finding that sensitive spot that sends a shockwave of pleasure through you. The combined sensation of his thrusts, his fingers, his whispered words - it’s too much. Your body tenses, the pressure coiling tighter and tighter until it finally snaps, sending you spiraling into an overwhelming release that makes you cry out his name, your nails digging into his shoulders as you shudder in his arms.  Eddie groans, his pace faltering as he watches you cum beneath him, his eyes dark and filled with awe. He grips your hips tighter, his movements growing erratic as he chases his own release, and with one final thrust, he stills, burying himself deep inside you as his own pleasure washes over him. 

For a moment, the room is filled with nothing but the sound of your heavy breathing, the heat between your bodies still pulsing as you lean against each other. Eddie leans his forehead against yours after he carefully pulled himself out of you, his eyes closed. His touch is softer now, more tender as he slides his hands back on your naked lower back. "You okay?", he asks quietly. You nod, a small, breathless smile tugging at your lips. "Yeah", you whisper, your fingers tracing lazy circles over the tattoos on his chest, "More than okay". He exhales a soft laugh, relief washing over his face as he presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Good", he murmurs, his lips lingering there for a moment,  "Because that… that was…""Intense?", you offer, your smile widening as you tilt your head to look at him.  "Uh-huh", he hums, his grin crooked and boyish, his dimples making an appearance, "Absolutely intense". You laugh softly, leaning into him, your hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your palm.

As the adrenaline leaves your body, making you feel the chill in the air more acutely, You can't help but shiver from the sudden cold adound you, the reality of the chilly shop settling over you. Eddie notices immediately, his hands rubbing up and down your arms in an attempt to warm you. "Cold?", he murmurs, his voice soft, concerned. You nod, your teeth catching your bottom lip. "Maybe a little"."Alright, let’s fix that", he says, his tone light but affectionate. He steps back slightly, quickly takes off the used condom and pulls his boxers back up, before reaching for your shirt on the floor and handing it to you. "Here. Can’t have you freezing on me, although I really am a big fan of your current outfit". You roll your eyes, a soft laugh escaping you as you take the shirt from him. "Is that so?", you smirk, slipping it over your head. His gaze lingers for a moment as you adjust it, the playful smirk on his lips betraying just how much he enjoys the view. "Guilty as charged", he smirks, pulling his own shirt over his head when stepping behind the counter you're still sitting on and disappearing down the dark hallway. You hear his footsteps fading for a moment as you pull your jeans back on and slide back into your boots, glancing toward the shadows where Eddie vanished, a small smile tugging at your lips. You realize the mess you two just made and quickly bend down to grab all that stuff scattered on the floor around the counter to throw it back ontop of it.

When he returns, he’s ruffling a hand through his hair, his shirt still slightly untucked and his grin sheepish but undeniably endearing. "Mission accomplished" he says with a wink, his tone light, though the warmth in his eyes remains, "No evidence left behind. No one will ever know what we just did in here". You raise a brow at him, a teasing smirk playing on your lips, "No one except us"Eddie grins wider, zipping up his jeans while stepping closer. "Oh, believe me", he mumbles amusedly, wiggling his brows, "I don’t think I’ll be forgetting anytime soon".You feel your cheeks flush at the way he looks at you. "Smooth, you reply, shaking your head as you tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear, "Very smooth"."What can I say?", he chuckles, running a hand down the front of his shirt in mock pride, "I’m a man of many talents". His grin softens then, and he steps in front of you, sliding his hand under your jacket and on your lower back, pulling you close against his chest once more. There's some seriousness growing back in his eyes when he looks at you. "I meant what I said earlier, Sam. I can’t let you go", he suddenly says softly.

You swallow hard, the reality of everything crashing back in as you look at him, your mind racing with emotions you’re not sure how to process. But when he cups your face in his hands, his thumbs brushing softly over your cheeks, it’s hard to think about anything else. "Just… stay", he whispers, his voice almost pleading, "Right here, in this moment. Don’t think about anything else. Just stay with me". For a second, you hesitate, torn between the chaos in your head and the peace you feel in his arms. But as his lips brush yours in the softest, most tender kiss, you decide, just for now, to let yourself fall. Slowly, you let your hands wander up his chest as you kiss him back, slow and soft and sweet, when feeling a tiny flutter starting somewhere deep down in your belly.

Eddie’s eyes dart to the watch on his wrist, and his expression shifts, a mix of surprise and guilt. "Shit", he mutters, running a hand through his messy hair. "The gig started… oh, five minutes ago. Guess I got a little distracted". He smirks, but his tone softens when he looks at you again, still holding you in his arms. "Come with me. I want you there"You hesitate, your arms leaving his neck as you step away from him, nervously glancing to the ground. "I don’t know, Eddie", you mumble, "It’s not just… everything’s still a mess. Lauren, Billy-""Hey. I’m not giving you some love speech on stage", he interrupts, leaning against the counter and looking at you intently, "I just want you there. You, in the crowd. That’s all. No one will know, if you don't want that". His gaze softens as he looks at you, his hand reaching over to gently squeeze yours. "I know it’s a lot", he continues, his voice low and earnest, "But I really want you there tonight. Just... come see me play. Forget everything else for a while""It’s not just about Lauren or Billy finding out," you start, sighing softly, "It’s Scott. That bar, it’s his place. Last time he saw me there..." You trail off, the memory of your father’s anger and the argument that followed creep back up in your memory. Eddie frowns, his brows knitting together. "I know", he says softly, his thumb brushing over the back of your hand, "But you don’t have to worry about him tonight". You glance up at him, confused. "How can you say that? He made it very clear, he doesn't wanna see me there. Last time I was at that bar I just managed to go inside because Lauren made sure he had a day off".Eddie sighs, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... let’s just say I had a little chat with him after you told me what happened. I assure you, even if he's there, even if he sees you, he won't do anything"Your eyes widen. "You did what?""One night after a gig", he begins, "I stuck around and talked to him. Told him he needs to keep his hands off you, or I’d start talking about all the underage drinking he’s letting slide in that bar. Not to mention the gambling happening in that little room downstairs he thinks no one knows about".  Your jaw drops as you stare at him, a mix of shock and disbelief flooding your system. "You... What?". Eddie shrugs, his expression unapologetic. "He needed to hear it. I’m not gonna let anyone lay a hand on you, Sam. Not him, not anyone. He knows that now". 

For a moment, you’re speechless, your heart pounding in your chest. "Eddie, I-", you whisper, your voice barely audible.  He takes a step closer, his hand cupping your face as he looks at you with an intensity that makes it hard to breathe. "You don’t have to be scared of him anymore. I’ve got your back, okay? He won't hurt you again". Tears sting the corners of your eyes, and you blink them away quickly, trying to find the right words. Then, you remember the day you moved out of Scott's trailer. When Robin and Steve came over to help you get your stuff over to your new place, and you spotted his van parked only a few feet away, with him sitting in the driver's seat, smoking. And watching. He was taking care of you, even then. Making sure someone was close as long as you were alone with your father. And when your friends showed up, he left, without saying a word about it. You gulp and look up into his warm, brown eyes. "I... I don’t know what to say", you finally mumble, causing him to press a gentle kiss on your forehead. "You don’t have to say anything," he murmurs "Just come with me. Be there. That’s all I want". You hesitate, the weight of everything pressing down on you. But as you look into his eyes, the sincerity and warmth in his gaze are impossible to ignore. Slowly, you nod. "Okay" you whisper. "I’ll go". His pretty face lights up with a grin, and he pulls you into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around you and pulling you back into his chest and pressing his lips on yours once more.

Then, he lets out a soft hum, his breath warm against your lips as he holds you close. "You know", he murmurs, his tone teasing but full of affection, "if we’re going to keep this… whatever this is… a secret, we’re gonna have to be better at it. I’m not exactly great at hiding things". You lean back slightly, raising an eyebrow at him, smirking slightly, "Oh, really? You don’t say". He grins, his dimples flashing as he tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. "What can I say?", he mumbles, shrugging lightly, "I’m an open book, sweetheart. Subtlety’s never been my strong suit".You roll your eyes playfully, "Yeah, no kidding". "But I’ll try to keep this under wraps", he adds, "For now. Even if it’s gonna drive me insane not being able to kiss you whenever I want". Your cheeks  blush, and before you can respond, he leans in, his lips capturing yours in a deep, lingering kiss. It’s not rushed or frantic this time - it’s tender, a promise in the darkness of the record shop, a moment just for the two of you. 

When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against yours, his hands holding your waist. "Okay", he says softly, almost to himself, "One last kiss for the road. At least until we’re out of sight". You laugh softly, your heart fluttering as he steps away and shrugs on his jacket, adjusting it before running a hand through his hair. "Come on", he smirks cheekily, "Let’s get out of here before I change my mind and throw you back on that counter". You snort, grabbing your own jacket and slipping it on. "Not sure the counter could handle round two, Munson". He winks at you as he unlocks and opens the door, the cool night air rushing in, "Guess we’ll have to test that theory some other time".

As you step outside together, the night feels heavier but somehow lighter at the same time. Eddie glances at you, his hand brushing against yours briefly before he stuffs it in his pocket. "You ready?"

You nod, a small smile on your lips, trying to ignore that gnawing nervousness that started inside you the second you left the shop with him.