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“Oh, she most definitely is.” SJ shrugs. “Butyouwere never going to have her.”
“You’re scooter trash like your dad,” he sneers. “Hamilton was right.”
SJ swings his leg over his bike and starts it, ignoring him. “Callie.”
Without hesitation, I throw my leg over and wrap my arms around him after I slide on the helmet he hands me. I’m ready to get out of here.
“Callie, if you leave with him, we’re done,” Thad threatens. “Everything is done for you here.”
SJ throttles it and takes off.
I feel relief with my arms around him. Safe. I’m safe again with him. Whatever happens from here on out with the job, my family, or anything, I know things have changed with SJ and me. They’re going to have to take us both on.
* * *
We’re at his house, and Harley’s at my feet and has been following me everywhere. She’s a really sweet dog. I reach down and stroke her between her eyes, something she seems to love and leans into.
“What are you going to do now that you’re single?” SJ teases with a gleam in his eye.
I snort. “I was always single. Dr. Delusion needs a psych consult. I’ll stay single until I can find someone to match my energy,” I say smugly. “I’d rather be single than be in a half-ass relationship.”
He stretches and puts his arms behind his head. “Well, just so you know, I’m full ass.”
“You weren’t always full ass,” I mumble. “But I do like your ass.”
He sits up a little. “It’s different now. You like my ass?” he teases.
“Yeah, I do,” I admit. It feels good just being with him and teasing each other like old times.
“Are you worried about things with your parents now? Your dad doesn’t take it well when people stand up to him.” He puts his arm around me protectively. “You need me to talk to him?”
“Don’t worry about me. I grew up with an angry father. I can handle anything.” I had to read the room any time I was around them and try to figure out how the day would go based on their moods and alcohol intake for the day.
“You shouldn’t have to handle that. I want to be here for you, Callie. If he messes with you again, it will be very bad for him. Nobody better ever put their hands on you.”
I stare over at him, his face lighting up in the light of the crackling firepit. He looks more handsome than anyone has a right to look. And he could be mine again.
“My dad made me feel like I had to figure out everything on my own. I’ve been doing everything on my own for years. It’s new to have someone in my corner like this.”
“It’s not hard, Callie. You’re my other half. You’re mine, and I will always be here for you. It’sourcorner now.”
I want to believe this. I want to be happy and pick up where we left off, but I’m still hesitant. “When you left, it felt like you didn’t care,” I say quietly. “It shattered me.”
He says hoarsely, “You’re wrong. I cared so much that I left so that you could become who you were meant to be.” He continues, “I walked away. Because if I didn’t, you wouldn’t be who you are today, a doctor and living your dream. I know you don’t see it, but I was doing it for you.”
“You don’t know that. We could have done everything together,” I whisper.
“It’s the past, Cal. We have to leave it there and move forward.”
“If it’s in the past, then why do I still hurt in the present?”
“I’ll do my best to make it feel better from here on out. I don’t feel like talking anymore,” he says, his eyes darkening.
“What do you feel like doing?” I ask.
“You.”
twenty-one
