“I have to take blame too, Dad. I was wrong on many levels and immature.”
“It’s about fucking time.” We both turned at the sound of Drew’s voice to see him, Nora, and Evelyn standing there. Evelyn had a tissue and was wiping her eyes. Nora was smiling, also with tear filled eyes, and Drew looked relieved.
The shit between my dad and me had affected everyone in this room, not just us. So had the feelings I had for Nora, but those would have to remain hidden. If this new beginning with my dad was going to last, I had to keep my feelings to myself.
If anyone knew, it could ruin everything—and not just for me—for her, too.
CHAPTER9
NORA
Igot very little sleep that night. Instead, I stared at my door, knowing that he was just across the hall from me. He was feet away, but he may as well have been on the other side of the world. Dean was so damn close, but he was still so damn far away.
After tossing and turning most of the night, I finally gave up around four in the morning. I decided I could sneak out and head up to Savannah to check my mailbox and read his letter before he or anyone else got up.
Quietly, I got out of bed and flipped on my light. I changed into my comfy yoga pants and a black hoodie with the Georgia Coast University logo on it. I slipped into my tennis shoes and pulled my hair into a messy bun before I flipped off the light. I tiptoed down the stairs, avoiding the third step because of its tendency to creak.
My purse was still on the table by the front door, so I grabbed it and my keys before reaching for the door.
“Where are you sneaking off to?” I jumped and spun around at the sound of Dean’s voice behind me.
“Dammit,” I whispered harshly, trying to calm myself back down. “You scared the shit out of me, Dean.”
He was leaning against the stairwell as if he had come from the family room to see me about to sneak out. “Didn’t mean to startle you, but if you weren’t sneaking, you may have noticed someone was already up. Where you heading to, Nora?”
“I’m going to see a friend of mine.” I said evasively. “I’ll be back later.”
“At this time of the morning?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I was going to grab breakfast before meeting up with George.” I don’t know why I said George’s name, maybe I wanted to get a rise out of Dean—to see how he responded to me going off to meet up with a guy at four in the morning.
George was the clerk at the post office in Savannah. He was a sweet old man who had been married to the love of his life for forty years. When I would drop off letters for Dean, we would chat and catch up.
“Who’s George?”
“A friend of mine. I met him over a year ago.” Not a lie, but definitely not what I was leading Dean to think was going on. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the fire I saw in his eyes or the clenching of his jaw. The heat radiating from the look he was giving me was enough to scorch my nerves.
“Drew never mentioned George.”
I laughed shakily. “Drew doesn’t know everything I do, Dean. He may be my best friend, but there are some things I keep to myself.” I took a deep breath and garnered more confidence than I felt. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’ll be back soon.”
Butterflies were dancing in my stomach as I turned to leave. My core melted with desire and my nerves frayed from his nearness. Being alone with Dean was going to get me caught in more ways than one. I needed to get out of there as soon as possible.
When I reached for the doorknob and pulled, nothing happened. I looked up to see the wide hand blocking the door from opening. I swallowed as my eyes traced up the muscular, tattooed forearm to his bicep that was right by my head. The warmth coming off his body behind mine made me shiver with unquenched need.
I looked over my shoulder and nervously ran my tongue across my lips. “What are you doing?” My voice was shaky and scratchy, even to my own ears.
“Something I shouldn’t.” He hung his head in defeat and let out a heavy sigh. “My dad and I just talked and spent time together without arguing for the first time in ten fucking years.”
“What does that have to do with me leaving?” I wanted to ask him to kiss me. To push me against the door and make me his, but I buried that deep down. I’ve opened myself up enough for now. I poured my heart out as his Georgia Peach, and I did not know how he would respond to that when he found out that the woman he had been exchanging letters with for a year was me.
I needed to know what his last letter said before I messed anything up with our real life, intruding on the anonymous relationship we were building. I knew it wasn’t fair to him. What I was doing was no better than a catfish on the internet, but dammit, I’ve spent the last four years wanting the boy I met and the man he’s become. I wasn’t ready to let go of the possibility of us, yet.
“Not a damn thing.” He pushed himself away from the door and from me. “It has nothing to do with you, Nora.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, his face a stony mix of anger and acceptance. “Enjoy your time with your friend.”
I watched him walk away, wanting like hell to reach for him. My heart ached watching him climb the stairs. When he got to the top landing, I turned to leave, ignoring the fresh set of tears that slid down my face.
* * *
