“I can assure you, the face is just as good as everything else.”
“Prove it.”
My spine stiffens. I wish I could come clean, but I don’t want to risk ruining what we have. “I can't do that. I’m sorry.”
She plays it off like a joke, but there’s something else beneath the surface—something like disappointment. “I know. Maybe someday.”
The hopefulness in her voice pierces through me, like a tug at the tether connecting us. I can’t hold back. I want more. It’s desperate, like I might die if I ignore it. “I’ve missed you, Kat. When you left, I thought about giving this up. The only thing that kept me coming back was the possibility that maybe you would come back, too.”
Silence stretches. I’ve said too much.
“I—I should go.”
“Ok. I won't keep you. You know how to reach me when you need me.”
“Goodnight, Cowboy.”
The line goes dead before I can respond, and my heart leaps into my throat. I want to throw caution to the wind, stride across the hall, and wrench open her door. I want to give in to all these years of pent-up feelings and show her how much she fucking means to me, but I can’t. Not yet.
Chapter 14
As You Wish
?Scared to Love - Thunderstorm Artis
Jaxon
I startle awakeat the fading memory of my screams echoing in my mind. It’s like someone has their hands wrapped around my throat. I can’t catch my breath. Cold sweat covers my body, soaking through the sheets. It’s the same nightmare that’s tormented me for years.
His eyes. Blank. Lifeless.
The watch, as broken as his body, suspended in time.
After all this time, I still can’t shake the terror of that night.
I slide out of bed and strip the sheets, haphazardly tossing them into the corner of the room. I throw on a hoodie, trail through the house, and stop in the kitchen to grab a beer.
As I step outside, the cool bite of winter air seeps through my clothing, chilling me to the bone. It’s cold enough to see my breath drifting on the breeze. I use my teeth to pop the topof my beer and settle on the top step with my elbows draped over my knees.
I look out over the ranch, trying to summon memories of a happier time, before Ryan died and took my love for this place with him. He was so full of life, with big dreams. As for me, I’ve always been a bit aimless, despite knowing my place would always be here at the ranch.
I’ve explored every inch of this land, could map it all from memory, but lately, it feels like a prison. Every day is like a replay of the last with no end in sight. I crave something, anything that will bring me out of this endless monotony.
I take a long pull of the amber liquid and glance up at the night sky. Wilder often talks to Jess like this, but I’m not convinced there’s anything out there beyond this life. Even if there is, why would I need to believe in hell if I’m already living in one?
The sound of footsteps crunching on gravel grows closer. When I dare to look up, I lock eyes with Callie. She’s got my jacket wrapped tightly around her body, and her nose is bright red against her pale skin.
She’s breathtaking.
“Hey. What are you doing out here?”
“Couldn’t sleep. Thought a walk might help clear my head.”
Could this have something to do with our conversation on Pleasure Peak? I've been replaying it on a loop in my head for days. She hasn’t come back to the app, and I'm beginning to worry that she’s ghosting me again.
Why do I care so goddamn much? I should move on from that part of my life and explore our connection in the real world, to hell with the past. But I can’t bring myself to lie like that. She deserves to know the truth.
She shivers, and whatever questions I had evaporate. “Jesus, Callie. It’s freezing. Come inside. I’ll light the fire and make us some tea."
