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“Hey.” I smile and stand to greet her.
“Hey,” she says weakly. I watch as her eyes catch on Serena. She looks back and forth between us before pulling away. “What are you guys doing?” She shifts her gaze to Liam.
“It’s pizza and beer night. You missed out,” he says.
“I can see that. My sisters and I grabbed dinner anyway.”
“Hey,” Serena chimes in.
“Hi,” Sophie returns. “I’m just gonna grab a bottle of water, then head to bed. I’m worn out.” She gives a little wave to Serena, and I follow her into the kitchen.
“So how’d things go?” I reach for her elbow, then drop my hand. She digs into the fridge before shutting it and turning to face me.
“Pretty good. She specializes in emotional trauma and grief, which is perfect. Only time will tell, though.” She shrugs, then takes a drink of her water.
“That’s great to hear. How was it with your sisters?”
“It was fine, Mason,” she says sharply, then walks around me.
Scrubbing my hands over my face, I remember what Serena said and try not to take her edginess personal. When I walk back into the living room, Sophie is gone, which means she already went to her room for the night.
“I’m gonna get going.” Serena stands, grabbing her bag. “Text me if you need to talk, okay?” She flashes a sad smile. I nod and give her a hug goodbye.
“Bye, Liam,” she singsongs. “Stay out of trouble.”
“Never,” he retorts.
Once Serena’s gone, Liam comes and sits next to me. “What’s up, dude?”
“God, not you too.” I roll my eyes, not having the strength to talk about it again.
“I can sense some tension,” he continues.
“Wow, you must be a psychic.”
He pierces me with his eyes, not taking my shit. “What happened?”
“Weston. Dalton. My father. Emma. Need more?” I deadpan.
“You two break up?” he asks seriously.
“No, but she wants space, so that’s what I’m giving her,” I explain, keeping it short.
“Yeah, you did that too after Emma.” He nods. “Sophie is strong. One of the strongest women I know, and for some reason, she’s crazy about you, so I have no doubt when the time is right, she’ll be ready to move forward with you again.”
I glare, not appreciating his half-ass dig.
“She’ll be okay,” he reassures me.
“I know,” I say. “Doesn’t keep me from being terrified of losing her.”
“You’re strong, too. I have no doubt you two will figure this out.”
“Thanks, man.”
“And that’s my TED talk for the night.” He waggles his brows. “I’m off to bed.”
“You’re annoying.” I roll my eyes.
After sitting in the living room for a half hour by myself, I decide to take a shower. I’m so goddamn tense, and my head is a fucking mess. Standing under the hot stream, I jerk my dick until it’s hard. My strokes are punishing and fast; images of Sophie flood my mind as my head falls back on a moan. As I hold myself up with one hand against the shower wall, I picture her cheeks hollowing when I slide my cock between her perfect lips and how sexy she’d look on her knees in front of me. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve fantasized about her, but the timing is all wrong. Yet I’m desperate for her touch.
I squeeze my eyes closed as I imagine her hands on me. My fingers tighten as I pick up my pace, harder and faster, and soon, I’m unraveling, releasing into my palm and moaning Sophie’s name.
With my body soaked, I stand and try to catch my breath. Fuck me.
I love her so damn much, yet I still feel like it’s not enough. I can’t lose her after everything, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her. If that means keeping my distance and giving her space, I’ll do it. But I’m not letting her walk away from me—from us.
Chapter Ten
Sophie
It’s been a week since my first therapy appointment, and I’ve been trying to implement breathing techniques when I feel anxious or stressed. After my gut reaction to Serena sitting close to Mason was that she wanted him, I went to my room frustrated as hell. The rational part of me knows I’m overreacting, but the overly sensitive and emotional part of me wonders if she’d be better for him after all. I know the thoughts are dangerous and toxic, and I’m not usually the jealous type, but my insecurities definitely got the best of me.
Today’s the day of my second appointment, and I wake up in cold sweats, my body trembling as I try to push away the thoughts of the nightmare that woke me. Before it used to only be Weston who’d visit me in my sleep, but now Dalton has started showing up too.
Sitting up, I put my feet on the edge of the bed and look at my violin case. I haven’t had any desire to play since the incident. I squeeze my eyes tight and count to ten just as Mary taught me. Sadness washes over me when I think about playing. Music used to be my escape, but now I can’t seem to find the strength to lose myself in it. There’s still so much I need to work out in my head and process. However, I’m growing more concerned that feeling like this is my new normal.
