I met his gaze and placed my hands on either side of his face. “I understand. You must know that nothing he did to you is your fault. I need you to know that I’d never blame you. I’d never see you differently. You’re the same man that helped me at my worst. Who’s encouraged me to be my best. Who’s become my favorite person. I promise you’ll be safe with me. So don’t feel like you have to hide from me. I’m yours. You can trust me because I’m only here for you, Dakota Wells.”
He looked at me, eyes full of gratitude. His hand cupped my chin, pulling me in for a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck to keep him close. Dakota parted my lips, giving me a hint of tongue. He urged me to step back so my back pressed against the wall. Dakota tasted of salt and bliss. His hands on my waist felt like home.
Once we pulled away his gaze met mine. His breath was heavy as he said, “You mean so much to me, Emmy. I hope you know that. If you don’t, I’ll spend every day we’re together proving it. With you, I feel like myself. No borrowed parts or missing pieces. I don’t have to just give. It was exhausting, giving so much.”
I ran my fingers through his hair. “I can only imagine.”
He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against mine.
“Um…” A hesitant voice interrupted us. The woman it belonged to was small and wore her black hair in a long braid. She wore a white dress and a leather jacket. “Sorry to interrupt. I told them I was family so…”
She twisted her mouth to the side, as if unsure if she should have come in.
“Hey, Reese,” Dakota greeted, pulling away from me to greet her.
“Hey, kiddo.” She welcomed him into a hug with a small smile. “Didn’t recognize you when you first got on the field. And definitely didn’t recognize you when you clocked that guy.”
Dakota chuckled. “Yeah, not my best moment.”
“I’ll say. What’s going on?”
Her eyes flickered to me with wonder. My stomach filled with nerves. I wanted to make a decent impression. Sisters were even more intimidating than parents. Reese didn’t look like an exception with her piercing eyes and the serious line her mouth made when her gaze met mine.
“This is my girlfriend.” Dakota gestured me over. “Emmy.”
“Girlfriend?” Reese raised a brow and offered me her hand. “Definitely wasn’t expecting this.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I said.
“Likewise.” She nodded with a small smile. “I like your haircut.”
There was no sarcasm in her voice, which made me relax a bit. “Thanks.”
“I’ve been wanting to cut mine off for ages but…well, I’m sure you know.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “Internalized male gaze and a host of other hang-ups.”
“I feel you. But once you do it, you won’t regret it,” I promised.
She grinned. “I like you. Dakota, I like her. I thought you shouldn’t be so picky, but now I see why it’s taken you forever to find a girlfriend. Waiting works.”
Dakota smiled at me as Reese continued, “Now, what’s all this nonsense going around. I come on campus and people are gossiping left and right. This girl I was sitting by claims to know you in and out. I don’t think she even goes to this school.”
“Should I give you two some space?” I pointed to the door. “Maybe you should talk and I’ll catch up with you two after?”
Dakota nodded, thankful for my suggestion. “That sounds good. Thank you.”
“It was nice meeting you, Emmy.” Reese gave me a hug this time. “You’ll come to dinner later? I want to take him out. Seems like he needs a little spoiling. I’ll spoil you too.”
I nodded, grinning and suddenly missing my own big sister. “Definitely. I’ll see you two later.”
“Emmy,” Dakota called before I could leave. Reese turned, looking down at her phone to give us a minute of privacy.
“Yeah?” I stopped near the door.
He came close and opened his fist. On his palm was a familiar bright bracelet. The one I’d made years ago and last seen in Tyler’s car. The bracelet I’d thrown up on a car for.
I shook my head, confused as I took the bracelet. “How did you…?”
“The asshole was wearing it.” Dakota scoffed as he recalled the moment. “It came off in the fight, and I remembered you wanted it back.”
