But I don’t feel fine.
“Okay…” he says, still not letting go. “But please, if you need me… I’m right here. I’ll wait, just in case.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. I press one last, desperate kiss to his lips before I slip out of his car, into the cold dark night. And I run home like my life depends on it.
Because it does. I know if I take too long, my father will come looking.
And I know damn well how that would end.
24
SOPHIE
My father’s voice booms in the entryway as I stand there, stone-faced, taking his admonishments. I let his rage wash over me like a tide. Then I escape his wrath, slipping upstairs and shutting the door to my bedroom as softly as I can manage.
Fuck, I want to slam it shut. Let my frustration crash into the walls and echo down the hallway, but I know better. That would only end with him storming in after me, spitting curses and venom. So I don’t. I learned that lesson long ago.
I collapse onto my bed, burying myself in the quiet comfort of my own space. Giving myself a few moments to just breathe. To decompress from the whiplash of emotions I’ve experienced in the span of twenty minutes.
And then the fear creeps in.
That could’ve ended horribly. He could’ve caught me. If he’d decided to come looking, if he’d found me in Theo’s car… I don’t even want to imagine the aftermath. The explosion that would’ve occurred. Images of my father, pummeling Theo with his rage-filled fists, fill my brain.
It was reckless, being out there with him like that, but it was worth it.
I’d meant it, when I swore off dating in the past. Swore off guys in general. But thenhehappened. An unexpected twist of fate that set my life on a different path. I didn’t know that I could feel this way for someone. Like I’d found my true home in the arms of someone else.
He’s everything and more. He makes me feel seen and heard. Like I matter. Like I exist.
I roll over, tugging my phone from my pocket, grateful that my father hadn’t thought to confiscate it. My mother surely would’ve. I send Theo a quick text.
Sophie:Drive safe. Let me know when you make it home.
The heart react to my message comes almost instantly. I should give him crap for texting and driving, but honestly? I’m too busy grinning like an idiot over the fact that he jumped to answer. And with a heart.
Swoon.
I stare at the screen, waiting, my breath catching in my throat when his reply comes through.
Theo:I’m home safe and sound.
Sophie:I wish I was there with you.
Theo:Me too.
My smile threatens to split my face in two.
Sophie:Can we get together? Soon?
Those three pesky dots appear. Disappear. Reappear. I hold my breath, willing him to hurry up and respond. Put me out of my misery.
Theo:Yes. We’ll plan something.
I squeal into my pillow, kicking my feet in the air like I’m ten years old again, about to meet Cinderella at Disney World. It all feels so surreal. Like I’m dreaming, and any second now I’ll wake up in a different version of life. One where this doesn’t exist, wherehedoesn’t exist.
But for now? This is real. And I’m going to hold onto him with everything I’ve got.
I fall asleep with my phone cradled to my chest, knowing it’s the closest I can get to him tonight. Wishing I was in his arms instead.
