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“We’re going to start decorating the tree. Why don’t you stay?” Beverly offered.
“That’s really kind of you, but I’m going to Shelly’s to help her decorate her tree. It’s a tradition we have… the only family tradition I have left, really.”
Tanner strode into the room and laid out on the couch. “So start a new one, with us.”
My eyebrows almost reached my hairline when they shot up in surprise. “You want me to stay?” I started poking his midsection. “Are you going to miss me, Tanner?”
Khloe immediately ran over to join in, and jumped full-force on top of him. He pretended to wrestle her, causing her to let out her high-pitched squeal.
I hugged Tim and Beverly, thanking them for letting me stay over. Chase walked me outside.
“I’m just going to say it one last time.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry I got so angry with Tanner in front of you before.”
“I don’t care that you did it in front of me. I can handle an alpha male pissing contest. What you should be sorry for is getting like that in front of your parents. You guys shouldn’t be upsetting your dad right now.”
He nodded, looking down at his socks on the concrete.
I caressed his cheek softly. “I appreciate you coming to my defense. I know that’s all you were trying to do.” I frowned. “That was definitely mortifying. I don’t want your parents to think we had sex in their house.”
He grinned, pulling me closer to him. “Sleepover at your place tonight, then?”
I nodded, losing all focus with his lips brushing against mine.
“I love you,” he breathed.
“And I love you.”
Even though it was a cold November day, my entire body felt like it was burning up as I walked into my apartment. I turned on the shower, twisting the knob to all the way to cold.
16
When the Time is Right
“Ican’t,” I said.
“Yes, you can,” said the voice.
“I’m stuck.” I coughed again, choking more with every breath. “My arm.”
“I will get you out of here, but you need to help me. Pull yourself out. Ready? Pull!”
I leaned toward the voice. A splitting pain shot through my shoulder. I tried to scream in pain, but the smoke was so thick, I could not inhale.
“Don’t stop! Keep pulling!”
“It hurts!” I choked, and kept pulling. The flames were so close, it felt like I was melting from the heat.
“Stop looking at the fire – now pull! Pull as hard as you can!”
I squeezed my eyes shut and pulled, mustering all of my might to make one last effort.
“Merritt! Get in here!”
I sat up in my bed.
Shelly peeked her head through the slightly opened bedroom door. “Did you hear me?”
“I think Mars heard you, Shell. Give me a sec.” I rubbed the sleepiness from my eyes, and tried to catch my breath.
