Chapter 49. Confessions and Temptations

Stella POV

“Sorry, I meant this date,” Damon said, looking uncharacteristically nervous. I smiled, feeling a bit confused—I'd never seen him like this before. He was always so confident. “I want to ask you… would you be my girlfriend?”

“Why are you smiling?” he asked.

“It’s just… it’s cute to see you nervous,” I replied, my heart fluttering as he placed his hand on mine. “Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.”

“I never thought confessing my feelings would be this hard,” he admitted.

“You haven’t fully confessed yet,” I whispered, glancing away. Damon stood up and walked toward me, his presence looming as he hovered close.

“I love you, Stella,” he said, gently kissing the back of my hand. I cupped his face between my palms, searching his eyes.

“I thought you didn’t love me. Why did you keep your distance for six months?” I asked, my voice tinged with frustration.

“I wanted to give you time—to see if these feelings you have for