Page 133 of Don't Think

Before I can finish, he stops walking and gently cups my face. His touch is soft, but there’s no room for argument in his voice. “This isn’t your fault, Allie,” he says, eyes locked on mine. “We can replace a band member. I can’t replaceyou.”

I search his eyes, looking for even the smallest bit of doubt, but there’s none. A small smile tugs at my lips, and I lean in to kiss him.

“Are you sure?” I ask quietly, guilt creeping in even as my heart does a full somersault just thinking about him choosingme.

“I’m sure,” he says, his voice is steady as he opens the car door for me. “Now, come on. Let’s get you home.”

This was a terrible idea.

We should’ve just tried to rent the house for another week—or hell, maybe two. But no, I wanted to go home.

We thought leaving early would save us from the traffic nightmare, but it’s Boston. Every hourisrush hour.

I glance down and realize I’ve been gripping Jax’s hand like it’s the only thing keeping me attached to Earth. I drop it quickly.

“Sorry,” I mumble, rubbing my thumb across his knuckles. “I didn’t realize I was squeezing so hard.”

“Don’t be sorry, love,” he says calmly. “You can crush my hand if it helps.”

“How are you feeling?” he adds, glancing over quickly.

I blow out a shaky breath. “A little better now,” I half lie.

He gives me a look, one brow raised, before sliding his hand over to my thigh and giving it a gentle squeeze. “You sure?”

Instead of answering, I hook my pinky around his and bring it to my lips, kissing it like he taught me. “Pinky promise,” I whisper.

We leave our pinkies locked in my lap while I try to breathe through the tight knot of anxiety still sitting heavy in my chest. Just a few more hours. Then I’ll be home. Safe.

My phone dings.

I glance down at the screen and laugh. “Girl, I’m right here. Why are you texting me?” I ask, catching Ana’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

“Oh, just open it,” she says with a smirk.

I do—and my heart skips a beat.

It’s a photo she just snapped of me kissing the pinky promise between Jax and me. The caption:was too cute not to capture.

A smile spreads across my face, and I save it, then shoot a copy to Jax. Thank God he managed to grab a new phone yesterday.

I lean my head back, eyes closing to try and sleep for the rest of the drive. But I already know how that usually goes. I’ve never been able to fall asleep in cars.

Time drags, but eventually, I shift in my seat, feeling Jax’s hand still warm on my thigh. I reach down and give it a light squeeze.

He squeezes back, flashing me a smile that makes everything feel right. Even safe.

I don’t think I could have made it through this entire drive without him.

“We’ll be home in about fifteen minutes,” Ana says from the back seat.

I glance out the window, and we pass the Dunkin’ Donuts we stopped at on the way to Boston just a few weeks ago.

I can’t help it. Without thinking, I lean across the center console and plant a soft kiss on Jax’s cheek. He grins, and I feel the scruff of his stubble against my lips.

A few minutes later, Jax parks the SUV in front of my little place, and he looks out the windshield.

“So, this is your place?” he asks while his eyes scan across the flowerbeds that line the fenced-in yard. A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips before he turns to meet my eyes.