“Thank you. This isn’t how I envisioned us meeting.” His expression is sheepish before resting on me and turning endearingly murderous. “I’d have liked to meet under better circumstances, but as usual, Jessica had other plans.”
“Understandable, but you can’t say this isn’t more entertaining than the traditional Sunday dinner.” My mom’s voice fills with the same scolding tone she’s been using on her three children since we were old enough to find trouble. “Not that you’re excused from attending the next one, mind you.”
Charlie saved my life, and now he’s part of the family.
Which is good, because he’s mine now, and I’m not letting him go.
His brow furrows. He glances at me, and because the pain meds have subdued my headache to a dull roar, I’m able to nod in encouragement.
He shifts his attention back to my mom. “I will be there.”
“Excellent,” she says, straightening the stack of magazines she has with her to keep herself occupied as she sits vigil.
Charlie takes a deep breath and exhales, like he’s fighting to contain himself. “Thank you for the invitation, and I hope you don’t rescind it when I’m done, but I am furious with your daughter and incapable of being calm.” Charlie’s eyes land back on me. “Jessica needs a very stern talking-to.”
My father, clearly fighting a laugh, says in a solemn tone, “You have no idea how many times I’ve said those exact words.”
“I have an idea,” Charlie says through gritted teeth.
I’d roll my eyes if my head didn’t hurt, so instead, I touch my bandage. “Okay, that’s fair. I promise you can bond over yelling at me, but can it wait until my head stops pounding?”
Charlie’s expression twists with anger and fear before worry washes over him. He rushes over to me, takes my hand, squeezing my fingers in a death grip.
The second we touch, my emotions threaten to veer out of control.
“Do you need a doctor? Let me go call someone.” He tries to leave, but I clutch him tight.
“No, I’m not dying, I’m just…” I trail off, tugging him back. In this second, I need him like I’ve never needed anyone in my life. It’s a need so fierce, it’s clawing up my throat. He’s all I want right now.
The only person in this world I feel safe with.
His midnight eyes flash with barely contained fury like a lightning storm.
“Jessica.” His voice breaks.
“I’m sorry.” I clutch at him, clenching my teeth to keep the swell of tears at bay. My voice is too tight to tell my parents to leave.
Our gazes are locked together.
His fathomless, clinging eyes are no longer guarded, and I see everything.
His panic.
The fear of losing me.
His desperation to find me.
His regret.
And under all that chaos, I see something else.
I see his hope.
His belief.
In me. In us.
All the volatile emotions we’ve been repressing threaten to rip free. A strangled sob clogs the back of my throat.
