Hey, Sawyer.
I wait for a moment seeing the bubbles appear.
Sawyer:
Yeah???
Aiden:
I liked the kissing part too.
I hit send before I can stop myself, then put my phone on silent and throw it back up front. I turn onto my side on this back seat and try hard to close my eyes.
I think about his question before our kiss.
Are you happy?
I didn’t know how to answer then, but now, in the darkness in this car, I know the truth.
I think I found the light.
For the first time in my life... I am.
And then the dark.
I don’t deserve it. People like me don’t deserve to be happy.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SAWYER
I toldmyself Sundays were my free day.
Well, ten hours and many trays of brownies, cookies, and truffles later, it looks like a bakery exploded. I just need to keep my mind and hands busy, and it looks like I’ve taken that to the extreme.
All day I’ve been in this kitchen.
I started baking last night and it seems I haven’t stopped.
Part of me almost called Aiden after he texted me back.
Then I put my phone down and got a fucking grip. I feel restless and uneasy. Also somehow really fucking good. Under all the warmth his lips gave me, his words bring a chill.
I don’t know if I’ve ever been happy or will notice if I even am.
I’ve never felt a kiss like that before in my life. Eager and soft. So different from the stoic man he is. It’s like he melted under me.
I don’t know what to do right now, but I know I don’t want to be alone.
I grab my phone and think about who to call. My first thought is Hunter, but I know he’s got work tomorrow morning and Mark doesn’t work today.
They’re probably spending it together.
Then I text the last number I ever thought I’d willingly text.
Sawyer:
Do you want to hang out for a bit? I need to talk to someone.
