“You said my name. I don’t hear it quite often from your lips.” The hint of smile rings high in his words. I don’t need to see him to know that a grin is on his lips.
From the depths of me, I pull courage. “Should I say it more?”
“Fuck, yes.”
I smile hard. “Then I will.”
“You can start right now.”
My confidence bubble bursts. “R-right now?”
“Yes.”
I gulp hard.
Saying his name shouldn’t be this difficult. It’s only five letters. One word.
I open my mouth to say his name, but no voice comes out.
A long moment passes between us, as I fidget with the ends of my sweatshirt.
“Say it, Rose,” Heath says.
I should. I really should.
It certainly wasn’t a problem before. I never got so nervous or felt tingles exploding like fireworks inside of me.
But now that my feelings for him have grown, every single thing tied to him means something.
“I’m trying to,” I reply.
“How about you come out and say it to my face?”
I freeze. “What?”
“I’m parked a few houses down your house.”
“Why?”
Silence extends on the line, then his next words break it. “Because I need you.”
Because I need you.
Heath needs me.
No one has ever needed me before. Especially Heath. I’m the one who’s always needed him and he’s always been there for me. He’s seen me cry, have a panic attack and shake in fear, and he stayed.He alway stayed. And being with him made me feel better.
“I know you can’t come and meet me. I know it’s fucking late. I know you’ll get into serious trouble. I know all of that. Fuck!” His heavy breaths are like stones hitting me in the chest. “But I need you right now.”
“Is everything okay?” Worry digs its claws into my chest. “Did something happen?”
He doesn’t say a word.
I get the hint that something is wrong. “I’m coming to you. Give me five minutes.”
“Okay.”
Quickly, I change into a neat pair of sweatshirt and sweatpants. Putting on my converse, I grab my phone and book.
