“I can’t sweetheart.” I say.
“But I want you. I have wanted you forever. We’re together. Why can’t webe together?” She asks. The look on her face is heartbroken and I want to give her everything I have and more. But I hold back. I hold back for the promise.
“We will one day.” I promise. “I have to make things right with your father. And then we can be together, and we will be together, in every way imaginable.”
She shakes her head and lays down on my chest. I don’t think I’ve ever been tested like this. I don’t think I’ve ever had to show more physical restraint in my life. But it will be worth it to truly be with Willow. No guilt. No shame. No hiding. I can truly claim her… I just have to work it out with her dad first.
And that might be easier said than done.
CHAPTER
SIX
WILLOW
I lie there staringat the ceiling, the unfamiliar hotel room dim and quiet around me, the faint hum of electricity a strange contrast to the chaos of yesterday. For a few seconds, I don’t move. I just breathe.
And then— It hits me. The storm. My dad. My sister. Still missing. My chest tightens instantly, that familiar panic rising up like it never left. But it’s not alone.
Because layered right on top of it— Is him.
Garrison.
My eyes close, my breath catching as last night crashes back into me all at once. The elevator. His arms around me.
The kiss. His tongue deep between my folds. The way he made me come harder than any other man ever has. It was effortless. Heat floods my chest, my stomach, everywhere, my body remembers it before my mind can even catch up.
My fingers curl slightly into the blanket as I press my lips together. Because that’s the problem. It meant something. Not just to me. To him too. I saw it.
Feltit.
The way he pulled me closer. The way he didn’t stop. The way hecouldn’tstop. My chest aches.
Because I know what that means. It should feel like everything I’ve ever wanted finally falling into place.
But instead—It hurts. Because right underneath that feeling is something just as strong.
My dad. I sit up abruptly, dragging a hand through my hair as the panic surges again.
Where is he?
Where is my sister?
Are they safe?
Are they—I can’t even finish the thought. I won’t.
“Okay,” I whisper to myself, like I did yesterday. “Okay…”
But it doesn’t help. I don’t know how to feel both of these things at once.
I don’t know how to want Garrison—needhim—and still feel like my heart is breaking over my family. Tears burn behind my eyes before I can stop them.
“Why does this have to happen now?” I whisper.
Why him?
Why like this?
