“Is that where we’re going?”
He nods.
I cup my mouth with my other hand to hide my shock, but I know it’s apparent on me.
Heath has no idea how long I’ve waited to go there. To see the world that exists outside Bellmare.
“I’d buy books,” I say, replying to his question.
He chuckles. “Besidesbooks.”
“I don’t want anything else.”
A smile lingers on his face as if he truly understands me.
Which he does.
33
HEATH
I love this girl.
I know I already do.
But it’s like I’m falling for her every second more that I spend with her.
Everything about her consumes me like a drug until she’s all I can think about. My head is filled with her words, her voice, her laugh and glimpses of her smiles that she gives to me so easily. The way her pretty brown eyes twinkle at the sight of me, as if seeing me makes her happy and how she softens when she’s in my arms as if the weight of the whole world slips away from her shoulders.
Lifting off my foot from the gas, I slow down, knowing she doesn’t like it when I drive fast. Having her mind relax is important to me. Because God knows she doesn’t let it rest with her overthinking.
The car feels too quiet and small with her presence. The scent of lavender flowers is suffocating the tiny space but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I look over at Hope and find her sleeping. She’s curled up on the seat and is holding the bouquet in her lapandmy hand.
Marie told me that Hope didn’t sleep the night. She woke up once and found her just lying there and staring out of the window. Probably occupied in her head with her thoughts.
Parking the car on the side of the highway, I let go of her hand and get out to grab my blanket from the trunk. There’s also my jacket that I know she’ll be needing it tonight when it gets cold. The weather has changed quite a bit and it is getting chilly these days. I don’t want her to feel cold when she’s with me.
Slipping back inside, I carefully lean back her seat. When she doesn’t wake up, I take the bouquet and handbag out of her hold and put them in the back. I drape the blanket onto her and make sure every part of her is covered — even her sexy legs that I can’t help but admire. They look delicious in that little, short dress that fits her so beautifully.
I’m about to move back, but pause when I look at her face. She looks so peaceful, more than she has had after what happened.
The urge to touch her face and kiss her bubbles underneath my burning skin, but I shove it deep down. I don’t want to wake her up. She needs rest because today is going to be an exhausting day. I planned everything keeping her in mind. Because I want her to have the best date.
Shedeservesit.
Still, not being able to hold myself back — because I love the fucking bones of this girl — I tuck back the curl that kisses her face so gently that I wish it were my lips instead.
For fuck’s sake.
What is happening to me?
It’s like I’m forever stuck to her by the glue.
It’s her or no one else.
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