I smile.
There’s the guy I know.
Flustered. Bruised.
Mine in ways he isn’t ready to understand.
I lead him into the hallway, my hand still wrapped around his arm.
This time, he doesn’t pull away.
“Come on,” I say softly. “Let’s get you home.”
44
VIOLET
I leadDrew down the stairs carefully, my hand still wrapped around his arm.
He doesn’t pull away.
A smile slides across my face.
He’s mine.
Callie is waiting at the bottom of the stairs with her arms crossed and a smile far too pleased for my liking.
Drew slows when he sees her.
“Oh good,” she says. “The worst stalker in Hollow Creek survived first aid.”
Drew closes his eyes. “Please don’t make that stick.”
“It’s already stuck.”
I glance at my sister. “Callie.”
She lifts both hands. “Fine. I’ll stop.” She glances at Drew. “For now.”
She steps aside, still smiling like tonight has been the greatest gift the universe ever handed her.
Drew and I move toward the front door. He isn’t leaning on me exactly, but he isn’t steady either. The whiskey has softened his edges. Loosened something in him.
Not enough that he isn’t Drew. Just enough that he’s stopped hiding.
I like him like this.
Uncertain.
Open.
Trying so hard not to need me.
“I can get an Uber,” he says.
“No.”
His brows lift. “No?”
