I tuck the sheets in, making the bed neatly like I do every day. I can still picture Blair asleep in it, and somehow just that mental image makes my whole space feel less empty. Everywhere I look, I pictureher, my memories splashing like color on the barren grey walls.
After heading to the dining hall and grabbing a couple of coffees, I make my way over to the command center, the first to arrive like always. Dropping Blair’s coffee on the corner of her desk, I step around to my own to settle in and get logged on.
My pulse takes off at a gallop when I hear her coming, and it ceases to beat when she steps through the door.
Blair’s dark eyes are lined and sharp, a black skirt hugging her waist and her boots high and defiant. “Beat me here again, huh?” she teases as she moves toward her desk with a confident stride.
“Didn’t wanna rock the boat and switch up the routine,” I remark, shrugging. “But I’m game to head back to bed if you are.”
She quirks an eyebrow, the barest hint of a smirk on her lips as she sits down at her desk and settles in. Her fingers fly over the keyboard as she goes through the motions of logging on, while I can’t stop staring at her. She’s more relaxed than I’ve ever seen her, comfortable and confident. She looks lighter, like the ghosts that have been haunting her aren’t hovering quite as close anymore.
I’d like to think I played a little part in that. She’s definitely helped me come to terms with some of my own baggage, and I’m feeling lighter myself. Nothing justifies switching allegiances like falling for a former enemy.
Blair’s eyes flicker toward the coffee cup resting on the edge of her desk, and I’m fully prepared for her to ignore it, like she’s done every other time. It’s become our routine– me offering, her resisting, me continuing to try anyway.
My heart stutters a beat when she reaches out and wraps her hand around the cup. She lifts it to her lips, and I stop breathing, stop thinking, stop everything except watching this moment unfold.
It’s not just a cup of coffee. It’s acceptance.
Her delicate throat bobs with her swallow as she sets the cup down and glances up at me shyly, finding me staring.
“What?” she asks, a smile teasing the corners of her lips.
“Nothing,” I say, unable to stop the grin spreading across my own face. My fingers drum against the desk like they’ve got too much energy, too much excitement to stay still.
She shakes her head with a soft chuckle and glances back down at her computer screen, taking another sip.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
the way forward
BLAIR
Iclutch onto Matty's hand like a lifeline as we enter the Goldenleaf bar, my nervous gaze flickering over the crowded interior. This place is always packed on Saturday nights. I’m instantly overwhelmed by the noise and bodies, instinctively tucking closer into Matty’s side as he guides us through the fray.
I’ve been here countless times, but tonight’s different. All week, Matty and I were holed up in the command center together, working hard and existing in our own little bubble. This is our first time stepping out in public as a couple, and it feels like a big deal. Even though I’ve come to terms with my own issues, Matty’s still a human. He’s still a former hunter. And part of me is still anxious about how people may react when they realize we’re dating.
Not that their judgment would change my mind. I’ve been happier this week than I have been in months, all because Matty refused to give up on me. I won’t give up on him, but I also don’t want to have to defend my choices to anyone else. I don’t want anything to make me question or doubt the decision I’ve made.
I’m choosing this. Choosing him. Choosing happiness.
If Matty has any fears about our first public outing, he definitely isn’t showing it. He leads me through the sea of peoplewith a confident stride, his head held high and a wide grin stretching his lips. Spotting Cam and Avery at a table near the back, he tosses up a wave to them, then glances down at me.
“Drinks first?” he asks.
“Yes please,” I reply eagerly, clasping his hand tighter as he diverts us in the direction of the bar.
There’s a thick crowd of people gathered around it, but Matty shoulders his way through with ease. We’re almost to the front when he abruptly stops, prompting me to look up as he comes face to face with Caleb Faulkner.
My breath catches, heart tripping over its valves.
“Hey, what’s up, man?” Caleb greets, clutching a beer bottle in one hand and landing a playful punch on Matty’s bicep with the other. “How you been?”
“Good, you?” Matty drawls, grinning back at him like they’re old friends.
I just stand there frozen as I watch their exchange, blinking in confusion.
Caleb shifts his attention to me, an easy smile stretching his lips. “Hey, Blair.”
