place, but I can’t stop thinking about what that would mean. It’s not fair to you, and I know it’s dumb
because we’d be alone, but I’m not ready to bring someone else home yet. The whole time, I’d be
paranoid of my family somehow finding out, and I’m not ready for that yet. I need to—”
I pressed my hand over his mouth, silencing him. He didn’t owe me a long-winded explanation.
“We’ll go wherever you’d prefer. Given your situation, I can see why having me in your home feels
like a huge step. One day, I hope you’ll be ready to take it but, for now, I’m more than happy to spend
time with you wherever you see fit.”
My body was beginning to ache from the bitter night wind. I rushed around to my side of the car
and slid behind the wheel. I turned in my seat, as much as the confined quarters would allow for
someone my size. Corey still looked uneasy. I crooked a finger under his chin, urging him to look at
me. “I’m a man of my word, Corey. Don’t ever worry that I’m going to be upset with you for being
honest with me.”
“I know, it’s just…” He sighed heavily. “I haven’t dated much since…well, since I got together
with Willow’s mom, I guess. And after, I’ve always been cautious because I want my home to be a
safe space for my daughter. I know, logically, that there’s no threat in taking you home. I know she’s
not there and wouldn’t even realize anything out of the usual had happened, but I still can’t. And that’s
just dumb.”
“No.” Corey jumped at the stern tone of my voice. “It’s sensible. It proves you’re taking every
precaution you can. And any man—or woman—who doesn’t respect that, doesn’t deserve to have you
in their lives.”
“Thank you.”
Neither of us said another word as I backed out of my parking stall. The silence lingered
throughout the drive. Corey reached over the console, placing his hand on my thigh, and I covered it
with my own. This boy was going to be the death of me.
12
COREY
I HATED THE UNKNOWN. THE ONLY REASON I MANAGED TO KEEP MY LIFE TOGETHER AS LONG AS I HAD
was through careful planning. I should have been in my car with the windows down and music
blasting to keep me awake long enough to get home. Instead, I was letting William take me back to his
house for god only knew what. Sex, I hoped. Being little for the night had been fun, but I was tired of
