And terrifying.
Because this feels like a life I could have had once upon a time.
A real life.
One I never let myself imagine having again.
My gaze drops to the large granite counter where a kitchen towel is folded neatly.It’s not new, but it’s loved, and clearly, he saved it on purpose.
I touch the edge of it, my hand trembling.
I can feel Nathan behind me—his presence warm and patient and unbearably close.
“Ad, I know you’re not ready to listen, but I need you to promise to let me know when you are.Okay?”
His voice is hoarse with emotion, and that same sentiment echoes within me.I nod and clear my throat.
“I just,” I say, my voice is barely a whisper.“I need to keep my head on straight, Nate.”
Silence.
Heavy.Loaded.
“Sparky, I’ll do whatever you want.But I swear to you I’m not under any temporary spell.This is real, Adrianna.You and me.We were always meant to be together.”
I close my eyes because the truth in his voice is unbearable.
And because I want so badly to believe him.
But wanting him has always been the easiest part.
Trusting that he won’t leave?
That’s the part that could break me again.
ChapterThirty
Nathan
Adrianna’s wordsecho long after she walks out of the kitchen and leaves me standing there alone.
And I hate it.I hate it so fucking much.
The truth is, for sixteen years I’ve been so fucking alone.And I don’t ever want to be that alone again.
I refuse to be.
“I don’t want you making promises right now.Not when we’re still under the spell of Vegas weddings and honeymoon nights.Okay?”
A spell.Jesus Christ.
If that’s what she thinks last night was—what we are—I’m in deeper shit than I realized.
I stand in the middle of the house I re-designed around her—this big, warm space meant to make her feel safe, cherished, home—and all I feel is a punch of helplessness I haven’t felt since fuck, I can’t even remember.
Fuck.
I run my fingers through my hair, then I slam my hands on the counter because, no.No, that’s not right.
