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Chapter Fourteen
TRISTAN
Fucked up again. I know it. Knew it the second we started, but as usual, I was too weak to stop it. And as I watch Isabel sleep like an angel beside me, I can’t even bring myself to leave her this time. I should. I have no business in her bed, but I’m not sure how to let go of the only good thing in my life.
Exactlywhyyou need to let go.
We ate our pizza. Then cuddled, talked, and watched a movie like some ridiculous make-believe couple. But for those few hours it wasn’t pretend. I forgot I was the most hated person in Suncrest Valley. I forgot I’d had my life upended and torn to shreds. I even forgot I couldn’t actually have her, because for a few amazing hours I did.
I don’t want to let go, but the text on my phone is exactly why I have to.
Brian (PO):Call me as soon as possible.
It came in hours ago, hitting like shrapnel I conveniently ignored for as long as I could. It’s now one in the morning, also conveniently too late to call. Guess I’ll have to wait until morning to have my world collapse. Again.
I prop up on my arm, studying Isabel’s features. Her thick, dark brows, her small nose, those perfect pink lips parted slightly as she sleeps. I run my fingers through her hair and tuck some loose strands behind her ear. For one night, this can be real. For one night, I’m a free man who can pretend.
Call me as soon as possible.
“Hey,” she mumbles. An adorable smile slips onto her groggy face when she sees me and stretches. “What time is it? Why are you awake?”
“It’s just after one. Couldn’t sleep.”
Her pretty brows scrunch together, and I smooth my thumb over one to settle her.
“You okay?” she asks.
She captures my fingers and draws them to her lips, forever sealing my fate. I will never get over this woman.
“I’m fine,” I lie. “Go back to sleep. Sorry for waking you.”
“It’s okay,” she murmurs, snuggling closer to my side.
I have no defense against that, and wrap my arm around her when she flips over to tuck her body into mine. Instinctively, my lips rest against her hair, while I breathe in the citrus scent of her shampoo. There are some moments you have to capture and preserve in order to survive. This, right here. I close my eyes and try to embed every detail in my memory for when I’ll need it later.
Call me as soon as possible.
I force the thought away. That’s tomorrow’s battle. For now, I need to enjoy this oasis of happiness.
She takes my hand and presses her palm against mine. I don’t know what she’s doing as she examines our joined hands, but it doesn’t matter. I belong to her tonight.
“Remember how you used to bring me all the raspberry flavored things you could find?”
I swallow hard to clear the emotion from my throat. “Yeah. Of course.”
“I knew then that you weren’t what everyone thought.” I can hear the smile in her voice, and I pull in a steadying breath.
“I was, just not when it came to you.”
She shifts her palm so she can entwine our fingers. “No, you weren’t. You played the part people expected of you. The arrogant jock. The party boy. Deep down that’s not who you were. You know how I know that?”
“How?” I ask, my voice muffled against her hair as I kiss her again.
She tugs our hands to her chest and clasps them tightly. “Your music, duh. Shallow jocks don’t write music like yours.”
I can’t respond as I close my eyes and pretend I’m not cracking inside.
“It was one of the reasons I fell so hard for you,” she continues. “I saw a version of you no one else did.”
