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“It’s probably just the altitude giving me brain fog,” I joke. “I’m sure we’ll go back to hating each other once we get home,” I add sarcastically.
His face falls as he forces a fake laugh, but I don’t miss the way his eyes flinch at my comment. I only meant it as a joke, but it clearly bothered him.
“I’m joking, Rett,” I whisper, reaching my hand across the console to place it on top of his. “I don’t want to go back to hating each other. I can’t go back to treating you like a stranger.”
“I know, Sky,” he rasps, flipping his hand and intertwining his fingers in mine. A familiar heat floods my body when he brushes his thumb against my skin. “And I never hated you.Ever,” he repeats as he brings our locked hands to his lips, placing a gentle kiss to my knuckles.
“Me either,” I croak, swallowing the dryness in my throat as a lone tear slips down my cheek. I sniffle, trying to stop more from falling, but it only makes it worse as salty wetness coats my cheeks.
My vision blurs with tears as Everett pulls into the hotel parking lot. Once we’re parked, he immediately angles his body toward me. Through hazy eyes, I see Everett lift his hands before I feel them slide against my jaw and into my hair. He cradles my face in his palms like I’m the most precious thing he’s ever touched.
“Skylar,” he mutters, brushing away tears with the pads of his thumbs. I dart my eyes away, unable to look at him.Stay strong, Skylar,I think to myself.Don’t let him see how broken you are.
“Look at me, angel,” he rasps. I flick my gaze back to him to find his brows pinched together in agony.
“Youare in control of your life,” he adds, holding my stare like a promise. “Youget to choose what and who makes you happy. And if it’s not Elliot, that’s okay,” he swallows, his eyes darting between mine. “And if it’s not me, that’s okay too. I just wantyouto be happy. Promise me you’ll do what makes you happy.”
I nod my head, forcing myself to give him a reassuring smile. “I promise,” I lie, tasting the salty tears on my tongue.
“I didn’t say this to you before, and I’ve regretted it for years. So, I’m going to say it now,” he exhales a shaky breath.
“If you ever need me… if you ever just need someone to talk to, I’m only a phone call away. You may think I’m the last person who would want to hear from you, but that’s the biggest lie you’ll ever tell yourself. I want to be the first person you call if you need anything, and I mean that. So please, know that I’m always here.”
His eyes dart between mine like a promise.
“Okay,” I manage to say through shaky breaths.
Once again, I lie to him, because I know I won’t call Everett. I know because there have been so many nights where I’ve needed him, and I didn’t call. If I did, I would only risk falling in love with him. Falling in love with his words, his humor, and the way he always seems to calm the waters of my raging sea. Except this time is worse… more dangerous. Because I’m starting to realize that I’ve been in love with him since that night under the stars.
I wrap my fingers around his wrists, slowly pulling his hands away before placing a gentle kiss to each of his palms. I swipe a tear away, convincing myself that it will be my last.It’s time to go.
“I should probably go.” I reach for the floorboard to retrieve my purse and backpack before pulling them into my lap.
“I’ll help you bring everything up,” Everett says, pulling his key from the ignition while opening the driver’s door.
“All I have left is my suitcase. I can manage to get it in the elevator. Thank you, though,” I smile before hopping out of the truck.
“I’m pretty sure your suitcase weighs like eight hundred pounds,” he grunts, gritting his teeth while pulling my luggage out of the backseat. “Jesus Christ, do you have a dead body in here or something?” He exhales as the wheels thump against the pavement.
I place my hands on my hips, narrowing my eyes at him. “I had to pack for a wedding in a completely different climate. Dresses, winter clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup, and toiletries arenotlight.”
“My apologies,” he lifts his hands in the hair, a wide smirk stretching across his face. “I forgot I was toting around Princess Skylar and her entire wardrobe.” I roll my eyes and shake my head.
Before I can think of a witty remark, he beats me to the chase. “I’m just kidding, Sky,” he chuckles. “Just wanted to see you roll those pretty little eyes at me again.” He flashes me a wink that breaks my heart before gripping the handle of my suitcase.
“Come on, let’s go,” he says thickly.
Instead of arguing with him, I follow him through the grand entrance of the hotel. We’re greeted by marble floors, abstract chandeliers, gold-plated elevators, and a concierge desk made of polished glass. It’s lavish, luxurious, and everything you would expect from a five-star hotel.
Everett’s clearly not fazed by the elaborate layout because he heads straight for the elevators without a second glance. I reach out, grabbing his arm that’s pulling my suitcase, halting his steps.
“What are you doing?” He turns his head, brows furrowed.
“I need to stop by the front desk first,” I rush out.
“Why? Isn't your room already paid for?”
“Yes, but… I don’t know the room number,” I admit. “I also need a room key, because I’m not sure if Elliot’s in the room or out working.”
