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“I know.”
“What happens the next time you get mad at me or get scared?” I ask.
“There won’t be a next time,” he insists.
“You don’t know that.”
“Maybe,” he says, “but I know I won’t react the same way.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I got a taste of what it’s like to have you and what it’s like to lose you. I don’t want to go through that again. My life is much better with you in it.”
Neither do I. But now, I’m scared.
I don’t say the words out loud, but they’re probably written plainly across my face.
His other hand lands on my cheek. I can smell the spicy scent of his cologne and something clean, like fresh fallen snow.
“Just give me another chance, Lo. That’s all I’m asking for. Go on a date with me.”
I hesitate.
“Please,” he says with a hint of desperation.
And I wonder if he’s ever had to plead with a woman to date him before. Somehow, I doubt it.
“I can’t,” I finally whisper.
“No?” he asks, verifying that he heard me correctly.
I nod.
I want Zane. But I don’twantto want him. And I guess the fear of the unknown wins in this moment.
His hand slips around my neck and holds me in place as he drops his forehead against mine. The bar is noisy as one song finishes and another starts. Zane doesn’t kiss me, and I want him to even though I just turned him down. Knowing how weak I am forces me to pull away.
I stand to pull on my coat.
“I’m not giving up,” he says resolutely. The look in his eye is stubborn and determined.
“We’ll see,” I say, but what I really mean is,I hope so.
Then, I turn around and walk out the door without another word.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
WILLOW
The buzzing next to my bed pulls me from sleep. My hazy brain takes a moment to register the noise. I reach for my phone on the nightstand as it lights up through the darkness while simultaneously snuggling further beneath the warm covers.
I glance at the screen and freeze.
Dr. Cooper.
It’s been a long time since he’s called. I debate on whether to answer it, but in the end, my curiosity wins.
“Hello?” I croak out, my voice broken from sleep.
