“I didn’t mean to say it out loud like that,” he admitted quietly. “But I’m not taking it back either.”
Emotion rose so fast inside my chest it physically hurt.
Because every part of me believed him.
“I spent sixteen years trying not to love you,” he said softly. “Turns out I’m terrible at it.”
A broken laugh escaped me before tears could.
God.
Of course this man would wreck me completely.
I looked away before I lost control entirely.
Too late.
Hersh caught my chin gently and turned my face back toward him.
“No hiding now, Flick.”
My throat tightened instantly.
Because he was right.
No more lies.
No more pretending.
No more silence.
“You said they threatened somebody you love,” I whispered shakily.
His eyes locked on mine.
“They did.”
My chest trembled hard.
“Hersh… if they hurt you because of me, I’ll never survive it.”
Something fierce flashed across his face instantly.
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Decide my choices for me.”
His hand slid softly against my cheek.
Warm.
Steady.
Perfect.
“I loved you when I was seventeen,” he whispered. “I loved you when I thought you forgot me.” His voice roughened slightly. “And I love you now.”
