He didn’t rush me. Didn’t try to fix anything. Just stayed.
Eventually I pulled back, wiping my face. “I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know how to be strong enough for him.”
“You already are,” Caleb said. “You just don’t see it.”
We moved into the kitchen without really talking about it. I poured two glasses of water with my hands shaking.
Caleb took them from me. “Sit down, Marisol. You need to rest.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re exhausted.”
He was right, but that didn’t mean I had to admit it. A deep fear I didn’t know I was capable of feeling lodged in my chest. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You won’t have to find out.” His hand came to my waist, and mine rose to his chest. The air between us tightened as he closed the distance.
The kiss was slow and careful, his mouth warm and sure against mine. For one perfect, paralyzing moment, I forgot about everything else.
Then he pulled away. His jaw was tight. His eyes dark. “This can’t happen.”
Outside, the Lone Star SUV idled at the curb. Inside, everything had changed. And nothing would ever be simple again.
CHAPTER 5
CALEB
Lucas slunghis bag over his shoulder and walked out without looking back.
Marisol followed him onto the porch. She leaned into the open door and kissed his cheek. “I love you.”
He nodded. “I know.”
The door shut. The engine turned over. And just like that, he was gone.
She stayed on the porch long after the taillights disappeared down the road, her arms wrapped around her middle like she could hold her world together by force alone. Her shoulders were stiff. Her breathing shallow.
I stood behind her. Close enough that she could feel me there. Not touching her. Not crowding her. Just there.
Finally, she whispered, “Take me with him.”
“Tomorrow.”
Her voice cracked. “You promise?”
“I swear.”
She nodded, but I could see the fight still burning in her eyes. The need to follow him. To keep him in her sight. To make sure he stayed breathing.
I placed my hand at the small of her back. “We’ll catch up with Lucas tomorrow. Tonight, you’re staying with me.”
She didn’t argue as I grabbed the bag she’d packed and led her across the street. Marisol stood just inside the doorway like she wasn’t sure she was allowed to cross the threshold. Her hands shook as she smoothed them down the front of her jeans and my house had never felt smaller.
“Do you want tea?” I asked.
She nodded. “Please.”
I busied myself in the kitchen and we waited in silence until the kettle whistled. I poured the water and handed her a mug. She wrapped both hands around it like it was the only solid thing left in her world and sank onto the couch.
