Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“You need anything? Em and Monroe are heading out of town. I can have them drop something off.”
I close my eyes, because I know that I’m going to hell for this. “Yeah, maybe ask Em if she minds stopping by and dropping off some headache medicine. I took the last of mine in the middle of the night.”
It’s not a complete lie. I did take the last of mine last night before bed. I’ve done nothing but obsess over the fact that she’s leaving today and won’t be home until Thanksgiving. The lie is that I need them now. What’s one more when my lie of omission—that I’m falling for his little sister, the one that’s ten years younger than me—is already out there in the universe?
“Sure, I think Em is getting ready to leave. They’re meeting at Monroe’s and will follow each other back to school like they always do.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll give her some money when she gets here.”
“Don’t worry about it. I got you covered. I’ll call later to check in.” He ends the call, and I drop my cell phone to the couch. Guilt sits heavy on my chest, but dammit, I need to see her, and this is just one more fail-safe that we’re not going to get busted. I won’t see her again until the end of November unless I can manage to get time away to sneak up there to visit her.
My phone rings and I groan until I check the screen and see the image of her smiling face. “Hello.”
“Are you okay? Forrest said you weren’t feeling well. I can stay another day and drive back to school tomorrow. What do you need?”
“I’m fine, baby girl. I had to make something up when Forrest realized I changed my schedule.”
“So you’re okay?”
The concern in her voice touches a place deep in my soul. A place I didn’t know existed until I let her into my life as more than just my best friend’s little sister. “I’m good. But now we’re good if someone sees you here.”
“I still can’t stay long.”
“I know. We’ll make every minute count.”
“I’m on my way there now. I just picked up some headache medicine.”
“I am out, so that’s not a complete lie, and I have a feeling I’m going to need it watching you drive away from me.”
She’s quiet for several seconds.
“I’m really going to miss you, Rome. I’ll be there in five.”
The line clicks off, and I know she’s trying her hardest not to cry. Just the thought of her being upset crushes me.
I stand and walk toward the front door, and then pace back to the couch. I need to get a handle on my emotions. If she’s dreading this separation as much as I am, I know her chest is aching, and her fingers itch to hold on to me as tightly as she can. I have to be the one to act as though this is going to be a piece of cake when we both know it’s going to be hell.
I never thought I’d ever be in a position that being away from someone would cause me physical pain, yet here I am. I run my fist over my chest, because although you can’t see it, the ache of already missing her is real.
I hear her car pull into the driveway, and I don’t bother lifting the door to the garage like we originally planned. I bought us an alibi for the brief hour that she’ll be here with me. I look over at the corner of the room where her gift sits, making sure everything is ready.
Taking a deep breath, I tug open the door, and she’s standing there. Her bottom lip trembles and I’m certain the guys can hear my heart cracking all the way at the shop.
“Baby girl.” I open my arms, and she rushes into them, allowing me to wrap my arms around her. “Let me shut the door,” I whisper, my lips next to her ear. I don’t want to let her go any more than she wants to release me, but I also need to remember that it’s my job to save us from prying eyes.
For now.
Emerson takes a few steps back, allowing me to shut the door. I lock it for good measure. At least we will hear someone unlocking it before they can take us by surprise. I don’t anticipate company. All the guys are at the shop today, but I’m constantly thinking about ways to keep her safe. To keep this secret between the two of us, because that’s how she wants it. I’ll give her until graduation.
Without a word, I entwine her fingers with mine and lead her to the couch. I start to sit, but she shakes her head.
“Can we go lie down?”
“Anything you want, baby girl.” I change directions and lead her down the hall to my room. The bed is wrinkled and unmade, and the evidence of my tossing and turning last night stares back at me. “I didn’t sleep well.”