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I don’t like having to remind her I’m leaving, because the truth is I enjoy being around her.
Sure, we have a sizzling connection between us and that’s partially to do with it.
Though, I think she needs a man like me to keep her on the straight line.
I’m worried if I leave her here, the next time I come through she’ll be six feet under.
I pull her closer against me, forcing her to accept the affection I’m giving her. “You gonna be okay here?”
She nods slowly, “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? My family is here.”
There’s no way I can hide the concern etching my face. “I doubt they know about your vices, baby girl.”
A small, sad smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. "What they don’t know won’t kill them.”
"Damn, Oak," I instantly respond, a knot forming in my throat. “Might not kill them, but it’ll sure as fuck kill you.”
Oakleigh reels her head back, forcing herself up. “Are you fucking kidding me? I came here to relax with you tonight, decompress after that fucking shit happened at the club, and you’re using this as an opportunity to preach to me?”
She starts to scoot off the bed, but I grab her arm and tug her back against me.
“Cola,” I start off, keeping my tone soft and kind. “The truth is, I can’t stand the thought of you hurtin’ yourself, whether it’s physical, mental, or ‘cause of that shit. When I’m around you, I can keep an eye on you, I can tell you that you don’t need that shit. But me bein’ gone. . .”
Her eyes widen in surprise at my sudden confession. "I don’t understand what the hell you’re trying to say.”
"Come with me to Mexico," I blurt out, the words flying past my lips before I can even stop them.
"Wh-what?" she stammered, taken aback by what I’ve just asked of her.
"I know it’s a lot," I confess, my urgency evident in my voice. "You don't have to stay here. Somethin’ has been draggin’ you down here, that much is obvious. Back in Montana you never fucked with that shit, but here you are . . . so I’ll bet my ass somethin’ not so great happened. If you come with me you can start over, get away from all this shit."
Oakleigh stared at me in complete shock, her mouth slightly open as if she’s trying to process this. "Wait. You're actually serious?"
"Dead serious," I confirm, hoping and praying she’ll accept my offer.
"Mexico . . ." she murmurs lowly, clearly considering the idea despite how crazy it is. “I was supposed to go there with some friend, but it fell through. We were actually supposed to be going in a few days.”
"Really?” I’m surprised to hear this. “You got your tourist visa and everything?”
She nods, chewing her bottom lip. “Yeah, I do. So, there’s nothing stopping me.”
Good, it means she doesn’t have a good reason to turn me down. “Then it sounds like you’re in for the adventure of your life,” I smirk, still trying to convince her.
"Okay, I’ll go with you.” Oakleigh smiles softly, a little bit of nervousness etching her features.
"It will be great, I promise you.” I tell her, a pleased smile tugging at my lips.
Uncertainty crosses her features. “If you say so.”
I adjust her so she’s laying against my chest once more, and she skirts her arm across my stomach. “I promise you won’t regret this, Oak.”
"I sure hope not. This is the biggest risk I’ve taken in my whole life.”
I press a soft kiss to her forehead, a silent confirmation everything is going to be just fine.
"I think it might be good for you to get away from here." I admit, wanting her to know my reasoning behind suggesting she come with me.
She looks up at me once again, understanding crossing her features. “I know.”
