I arch a brow. “I’m your stress relief, am I?”
He cups my cheek. “You’re becoming so much more than that.”
Damn. My chest squeezes tight. I can’t breathe.
“I wish—” He shakes his head and pulls away.
I catch hold of his hand. “What, Jacob? What do you wish?”
“I was brave enough to tell the world I want to be with you.”
“You—?” I blink.
“I’m sorry I can’t be enough for you, Archer.”
I squeeze his hand. “You are.”
“I’m not. I don’t think I ever will be.”
I rake my teeth over my lip. “What are you saying?”
“I’m not sure.”
“You don’t want to end it, do you?” Why did I ask that? I hold my breath.
“No. But sooner or later, you will.”
I exhale. “Right now, I don’t. So stop worrying about whatmighthappen, okay?”
He nods. “I should go.”
I release his hand.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asks.
“Yes.”
I’d be even better if I could hold Jacob. If I could kiss him and run my fingers through his messy hair. If I could feel his stubble against my jaw and his warm hands against my skin. I’m going to be so fucking needy by the time we get home. I’ll need him to hold me all night long.
I read until the worst of the afternoon heat is over and then emerge from my room. Mum and Barry are outside. Did they come in at all, or has Mum been working on her tan this whole time? Jacob isn’t around. Is he in his room? Probably.
I step onto the patio.
“Hi, love, are you joining us?” Mum asks.
“No. I’m going for a walk.”
“Oh. I feel like I’ve barely seen you.”
“I’ve been here all day.”
“Inside.”
“Yes. Where it’s cooler.”
“You won’t get a tan inside.”
“I don’t want a tan.”
