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I haven’t talked about home since I left it.

Too dangerous.

I turn away, opening the pantry to put away a few of the food items I got at the festival. Mostly, I’m avoiding Auggie’s watchful gaze.

I close my eyes and will the stinging sensation away.

Strong arms wrap around me, enveloping me in the vanilla and cedar scent I love so much.

“I’m sorry,” he says, pressing a kiss to my temple. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I was enjoying listening to you talk about yourself. I want to know everything about you.” He kisses my other temple. “But only when you’re ready.”

I blow out a breath and turn in his arms, wrapping mine around his waist and burying my face in his chest.

“It’s hard to talk about my past.” I pause, trying to figure out how to explain without explaining. “It’s complicated, and it makes me sad.”

He says nothing, just rubs his hands up and down my spine and holds me.

This is why we never stay. This is why we don’t get attached. It’s not safe.

But Auggie is different.

When I’m positive the threat of tears has passed, I tilt my head up to look into Auggie's eyes.

“Thank you.”

“For upsetting you?”

“For not pushing,” I whisper.

Auggie’s hands cup my face before he presses a gentle kiss to my lips.

“When you’re ready, I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere, Moonlight.”

The sincerity in his eyes is unmistakable. Auggie will wait as long as I need him to. When I’m ready, he’ll be there. He isn’t going anywhere.

But am I?

Chapter 14

Date Night Part 2

AUGUSTUS

My heart was still racing to the frantic rhythm of panic.

I thought I screwed everything up.

Hearing the sadness in Cordelya’s voice as she spoke about her past had opened a chasm in my chest. I’d clung to every word, letting the nostalgia wash over me and transport me into her past.

An adorable little Cordelya running around the arcade games until she found the skee-ball.

I watched the panic bloom on her face when she realized what she’d done.

When she turned her back to me, I was positive I’d lost every inch of earned trust ground that I had gained. I was bracing myself for her to ask me to leave. Tell me the rest of the night was over.

It was a gamble to walk over to her and wrap her in my arms. Instead of pushing me away or going stiff in my arms, she leaned into me. When she turned in my arms and pressed her face into my chest, I exhaled a sigh of relief.

Still, the way her voice trembled slightly as she explained how her past was complicated sent my protective instincts surging forward.