A pregnant pause ensues for a few tense moments. “I’d like you there,” she admits in a soft tone. “But you don’t have to come if it’s not your scene.”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” I truthfully reply, reaching out to touch her hand. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m finding it hard to be anywhere but by your side.”
The most glorious smile lights up her face, and I want to spend a lifetime looking at it.
Some might call me crazy. Hell, most would, but I feel it in my bones.
Stevie isthe one.
I refuse to let anyone sway me from the truth—I have found my forever.
ChapterSixteen
Stevie
“You should be writing love songs for a living, Garrick. You have a beautiful way with words.” It’s the truth. With any other guy, what he just said might sound cheesy, but Garrick is too genuine for it to come across as anything but sincere. “And a beautiful voice to match.”
“I’d rather reserve all the words for you.”
See what I mean? This guy has already wormed his way into my life and into my heart, and I’m in real danger of giving the whole damn thing away.
“Are you like this with all your girlfriends?” I ask before I can stop to question the wisdom of it. “Not that I mean I’m your girlfriend or anything. I’m just curious.”
He drills a hole in my head as he drives with one arm, coasting at a consistent speed in the slow lane of the I-5, like he wishes he could extract the thoughts from my mind.
“I don’t want to talk about my exes, and they all fade into nonexistence when compared to you. I have never felt this strongly about any girl before, and that’s the truth.”
“Have you ever been in love?” I blurt, and I don’t know why I’m asking questions that have the power to hurt, but it’s like I’ve lost all control of my mouth.
He wets his lips before clearing his throat and eyeballing me again. “I thought I was one time, but it wasn’t the real deal. It was infatuation and nothing more.”
I’m tempted to probe further, but I’m also keen to avoid getting too heavy for fear I’ll scare myself into regressing.
“Have you?” he asks even though he already knows the answer.
“Nope.”
“Not even with your one and only high-school boyfriend?”
I vehemently shake my head. “I told you that relationship was me caving to peer pressure. All my friends had boyfriends, and I went and got myself one to fit in. He was a nice guy but way more into me than I was into him. When he told me he loved me, I broke things off, and it was such a relief.”
“Wow, okay, I’ll add that reminder to my list.”
I can’t tell if he’s teasing or sincere. “I was a kid then. It’s different now.”
Garrick pushes his dark hair behind his ears, looking deep in thought as he stares out the windshield. A couple beats later, he turns to face me, keeping one eye on the road and one on me. “I know you said you didn’t want to put any labels on us or move things to a new level, not until after our exams, but do you think you’ll want to be my girlfriend?”
Ugh. So much for not wanting things to turn heavy. “Do we really have to do this now?” Hurt splays across his face, and I feel like an evil bitch. Taking his free hand in mine, I lace my fingers through his. “I like you a lot, Garrick.” My chest heaves as I stare into his eyes. They look more green than brown today. He is so gorgeous, and sometimes it’s so hard to not touch him. “I think the answer to that question is yes, but I haven’t processed it all yet. I have an all-consuming personality, and if I start thinking about it now, it’ll distract me. I know that probably sounds stupid to you, but I swear I’m not stringing you along. I’m being honest. Just let me get through my exams this week, and then we can talk.”
“I’m sorry for pressuring you. I shouldn’t have said anything.” He squeezes my hand, and warmth spreads across my skin. I love holding his hand, and I love being in his arms. He makes me feel safe and loved. For a new-to-me emotion, I’m embracing it wholeheartedly and not letting guilt do a number on me.
I know when I give in to Garrick I will give him my all.
I just need to ensure I’m fully ready for it.
The last thing I want to do is hurt him and hurt myself in the process.
“You aren’t pressuring me, and don’t apologize. You’ve been letting me set the pace and taking the scraps I throw you. If anyone should be apologizing, it’s me. I know I’m not like other girls. I know it’s most likely really frustrating for you, but when I decide to do something, I give it my all. I never jump lightly into anything, especially where it pertains to my heart.” I pull my legs up under me and clutch his hand tighter.
