Page 95 of Falling for Her

But something stopped me. The fear that he would turn around and tell me it was just a fling. The fear that, for the first time in my life, it would bother me that someone didn’t pick me. The fear that the one person who I never thought could hurt me, in reality, could destroy me.

My hands play in his hair as he gives me soft kisses until he slips out of me, and I immediately turn my back to him and slide out of bed. I pick up my pj’s on the way to the bathroom and clean up at the same time that he gets rid of the condom, then he comes to stand behind me. The smile on his face isn’t like it has been the other days.

“I need coffee.” I turn and put my hand on his chest. “Meet you downstairs.”

“Yeah.” His voice is monotone, and I put my head down and walk out through the laundry room, just in case Asa is up. I tiptoe down to the kitchen and open the shades before starting the coffee.

I pour myself a cup of coffee. I need just a minute to myself, so I go out the back door and sit on a chair, watching the breeze move the leaves of the trees softly side to side.

The door opens behind me, and he steps out, pulling out the chair beside me and kissing my neck before sitting down. He’s not wearing a shirt, only shorts.

“It’s going to be a nice day.”

He picks up his cup of coffee, not saying a word in reply.

The door opens again, and Asa comes outside. “Morning.” He comes to stand next to my chair and puts his arm around my shoulders. I wrap my arm around his waist and pull him to me.

“Did you sleep good?”

“Yeah.” He goes to Lincoln and collapses on him.

Lincoln moves away from the table to pull Asa onto his lap. “Are you hungry?” He kisses his neck, and I want a picture of this right here. But I can’t look away to find my phone.

“Yeah, can we have pancakes?” he asks him softly, and I smile.

“I can make them,” I volunteer. They both look at me. “What? It’s literally adding water to the dry mix.”

“You would think,” Lincoln deadpans, making Asa laugh.

“Fine, then I’m going to go pack, and I’ll come when it’s all ready.” I grab my cup of coffee and stand up. “See you two later.”

I walk down the steps and toward the little apartment that was mine for the last three weeks. Someone made the bed neatly after the break-in. It hasn’t been touched by me since.

I shower and slip on my yoga pants and a tank top before packing my clothes and toiletries. Zipping my bag, I feel heat rush through my body, the dread following it next. Tomorrow I’m going to wake up not here. It’s something I didn’t think about until this very moment, and it hurts more than I could ever put into words. What kind of psycho chick moves across the country, upending her whole life just to date a man she’s known for three weeks? I mean, sure, I really, really like him, but I need to get home and deal with Davis. I need to close that chapter in my life before I start another one.

The knock at the door makes me look over and then shout, “Come in!”

Asa opens the door. He’s dressed, wearing shorts and a T-shirt. “Dad says breakfast is ready, even though I already ate.” He comes to the bedroom, looking at my bag. “I’m going to miss you, Finley,” he states softly.

I blink away the tears, but one of them slips out and down my cheek. “I’m going to miss you so much more, Asa.” I hug him, his arms wrapping around my waist. “This has been the best summer I’ve ever had.” I kiss the top of his head. “There is no one who is cooler than you are, Asa Burke.” He looks up at me. “Don’t forget that, ever.” Another tear slips out, and I smile through it.

A car door slamming has Asa moving away from me and to the door.

“Mom!” he shouts out, already running to her.

By the time I reach the driveway, he’s hugging Maggie. They swing side to side as she bends to kiss his head.

“Did you get taller?” she asks him, and I smile as I see Lincoln come out of the house with a T-shirt on. Walking down the back steps, he stops to stand next to me.

“You ready to go?” Maggie asks Asa, and he nods his head. “Go and say bye to your dad.” She looks up and spots me, giving me a tight smile.

“Bye, Dad.” Asa gives Lincoln a hug. “I’ll call you later.”

He turns to me next, and I can see him fighting tears. “Bye, Finley.”

I bend to look him in the eyes. “You be good,” I say, trying to fight my own tears, “and keep going riding.”

“I will.” He hugs me, and I close my eyes, taking in his hug.