“But…”
“I promise I'll come back for you. I’ll get us both out of here. You just have to trust me.”
“Please don’t go. I need you.”
“I’m sorry,” she says, her voice strangled. “I have to, or he’ll kill me.” Clio pulls me into her arms and kisses the top of my head. “Be brave, Copycat.”
I can’t see through the tears anymore. She turns to leave, and I reach for her, my fist closing around her sleeve. Without looking back, she pulls herself free and slides open the window.
“Cee Cee,” I cry. “Come back.”
But she’s already gone.
Present Day
I sink into the massive soaker tub and let the bubbles surround me. Lavender and vanilla seep into the room, wrapping me in a cocoon of pure bliss. My muscles relax until my limbs are likelimp noodles, and years’ worth of aches and pains evaporate with the steam billowing off the water.
Being around Jaxon’s family has stirred up a lifetime of memories I tried to bury. I didn’t grow up with a white picket fence and parents who loved each other. After Clio left, I learned to take care of myself. There was no one there to comfort me when I was sad, no one to have family dinners with, or celebrate my birthday. My life is marked by hardship and resilience. I was forced to grow up too soon, and it shaped who I am, for better or worse.
This family, this house, the man who’s offering me immeasurable kindness—all of it feels too good to be true. It probably is. I can’t stay here forever. Someday, Jaxon will find someone he wants to spend his life with, and I’ll be a burden to cast aside. Like I’ve always been.
I close my eyes and lean my head back against the rim of the tub, abandoning all thoughts of the future, resolved to let time pass without a care for what comes next. I stay like that until the water becomes tepid and the bubbles have all but disappeared.
There’s a massive fluffy towel hanging on the hook, and I’m shocked when I find it actually wraps all the way around my body. The soft fabric feels luxurious against my skin.
A girl could get used to this.
I change into my favorite—and only—pajamas, which are little more than a pair of purple flannel pants and a ratty ‘hot girls read’ tee leftover from a library fundraiser last year. After quickly towel drying my hair, I head into the guest bedroom and settle back against the headboard. I’m not tired in the least, but I’m not comfortable walking around Jaxon’s house like I own the place. It took me two days to get up the nerve to use the tub.
I pull out my phone, intending to read one of the books waiting for me in my library app, but my attention snags onthe Pleasure Peak logo. I stare for a long moment, my thumb hovering over the icon as I debate whether I can afford to splurge on the twenty-dollar subscription fee. Unable to resist the pull, I open the app and scroll down to the renewal button, thrilled to find that they’re running a sale through the end of the week. Maybe it’s kismet, or maybe I’m just a slut who probably would’ve paid full price anyway.
When the payment goes through, my inbox lights up with a series of unread messages.
Hey Alley Kat,
I should probably apologize for overstepping the other day, but I can’t. I meant every word of what I said. Maybe that scared you, or maybe I’m reading too much into things. I just wanted you to know that you mean something to me.
I hope you’re ok.
-Cowboy
Alley Kat,
It’s my birthday tomorrow. I miss you. I hope you’re somewhere celebrating, even if it’s not really for me. Happy New Year.
Yours,
Cowboy
Kat,
It’s been months since we last talked. I don’t know if I want to do this anymore. Every time I log on and you’re not here, I feel your absence more than anything. Come back to me.
Your Cowboy
My chest tightens with each fervent confession. I’ve never had someone care for me this way—enough to leave a message I might never even receive. Two words reverberate through my head in a voice I haven’t heard in far too long.
Your Cowboy.
