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“I’m on my way there now. I just picked up some headache medicine.”
“I am out, so that’s not a complete lie, and I have a feeling I’m going to need it watching you drive away from me.”
She’s quiet for several seconds.
“I’m really going to miss you, Rome. I’ll be there in five.”
The line clicks off, and I know she’s trying her hardest not to cry. Just the thought of her being upset crushes me.
I stand and walk toward the front door, and then pace back to the couch. I need to get a handle on my emotions. If she’s dreading this separation as much as I am, I know her chest is aching, and her fingers itch to hold on to me as tightly as she can. I have to be the one to act as though this is going to be a piece of cake when we both know it’s going to be hell.
I never thought I’d ever be in a position that being away from someone would cause me physical pain, yet here I am. I run my fist over my chest, because although you can’t see it, the ache of already missing her is real.
I hear her car pull into the driveway, and I don’t bother lifting the door to the garage like we originally planned. I bought us an alibi for the brief hour that she’ll be here with me. I look over at the corner of the room where her gift sits, making sure everything is ready.
Taking a deep breath, I tug open the door, and she’s standing there. Her bottom lip trembles and I’m certain the guys can hear my heart cracking all the way at the shop.
“Baby girl.” I open my arms, and she rushes into them, allowing me to wrap my arms around her. “Let me shut the door,” I whisper, my lips next to her ear. I don’t want to let her go any more than she wants to release me, but I also need to remember that it’s my job to save us from prying eyes.
For now.
Emerson takes a few steps back, allowing me to shut the door. I lock it for good measure. At least we will hear someone unlocking it before they can take us by surprise. I don’t anticipate company. All the guys are at the shop today, but I’m constantly thinking about ways to keep her safe. To keep this secret between the two of us, because that’s how she wants it. I’ll give her until graduation.
Without a word, I entwine her fingers with mine and lead her to the couch. I start to sit, but she shakes her head.
“Can we go lie down?”
“Anything you want, baby girl.” I change directions and lead her down the hall to my room. The bed is wrinkled and unmade, and the evidence of my tossing and turning last night stares back at me. “I didn’t sleep well.”
“Me either.”
Knowing that she loves lying next to me, skin to skin, I tug off my T-shirt and climb into bed, patting the spot next to me. She does the same, stripping out of her T-shirt and bra before joining me. I curl my arm around her, bringing her to my chest.
The blinds are pulled shut, so my room is dark, regardless of the sun shining high in the sky today. Running my fingers through her hair, I try to memorize this moment. You’d think I was losing her forever, by the heavy beat of my heart in my chest. I’ve never had anxiety, but this ache, that has to be it.
It’s not heartbreak, right? I’m not losing her. She’s just going back to school. In less than a year, we’ll be right back here.
Permanently.
At least I hope that’s the case. I’m giving her this last year to finish school, but when she comes home, I want her to come home to me.
“How do you feel about taking a year off to move to Lexington?” she asks. Her voice is thick, and although I hear a bit of humor, her tone is still laced with sadness.
“I would if you needed me, but you don’t.”
She lifts her head. “I do need you.”
“That’s not what I meant, baby girl. You’re fierce and determined, and I’d just be in your way. I know this is your last year, and you need to focus on that. You’re there getting an education to obtain the career of your dreams, and I’ll be here living mine, keeping this spot right here next to me warm for you.”
“Just me?”
“Of course just you. Is that what has you so upset? You’re afraid I’m going to replace you? You’re the first woman to be in this bed, and you’ll be the last.” I know it’s a big declaration, but the words tumbled out before I could stop them.
Not that I wanted to.
I’m telling her the truth. I can’t even imagine anyone else owning this spot next to me other than her.
“It took me all summer to wear you down. I’ll be gone longer than that.”
