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He’s young… so young…it wouldn’t be fair to him…
I push him back gently, duck my head, and sweep my eyes over his features, ingraining them to memory…
Absorbing them, so I can remember…
Remember why it's so imperative we end this now, as planned, despite how much my heart protests.
It was just a fling.
It was never meant to last.
His lip shivers, still so swollen and red from our kisses, and I swipe my thumb over it in a gentle caress. “Did I hurt you? I was so rough and I—”
His lashes flutter shut and he shakes his head. “Don’t,” is all he utters. “I was just as rough with you.”
My face creases with that and I shake my head. “But—”
His eyes fly open in a glare, one he aims right into my soul, flaying me. “Don’t.”
I stare at him, searching his eyes, but all I find is a silent plea for me to drop it.
And then he whispers, “Don’t ruin it.” His voice breaks, his chin quivering. “Don’t take it back.”
I frown, not quite sure I understand.
Pulling from my arms, he goes and finds his flip flops, slipping them on. He heads for the door, and I follow, right on his heels.
“I can walk you back,” I say.
He shakes his head.
Okay then.
Outside, the rain is slanting down in buckets. We feel it even before we get outside, misting through the screen door.
There’s a huge lump in my throat as I follow him out, watching the way the rain slams down on him once he leaves the protection of the overhang, drenching him immediately.
My hands open and close at my sides, and I’m at a loss. He’s just… leaving. Storming off, just like how he entered my life, without so much as a glance back.
All I can do is stare after him walking away, wondering how this could possibly be it.
Seven steps.
That's how far he gets before he comes to a sudden stop.
My heart thuds heavily in my chest, and I feel tears springing to my eyes.
Sweetheart…
One second I’m standing there, just outside my door, and the next I’m striding forward into the pouring rain, and he’s whirling around and rushing toward me.
We collide, arms tangling, hands on each other’s cheeks, lips slamming together.
Rain mixes with our tears, making it easier to pretend this doesn’t hurt so bad.
That this isn’t killing me. Killing him.
He pulls back, easing to his heels. He blinks up at me through thick, wet lashes.
