Page 83

He laughs, but it fades as I speak again.

“I don’t really know you, Storm. Not in the ways that matter. We need more to form a relationship.” I pause. “Assuming that’s even what you want.”

“Oh, yes. That’s what I want. I’m talking about a relationship,” he replies instantly. “Exclusive. Going steady. You’re my ol’ lady?—”

“Okay,okay,” I say, laughing. God,this man.

“Am I alone in this?” he asks softly.

I freeze.

“I— I mean….”

Wasn’t it just a few hours ago in my room that I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let things go past tonight? Haven’t I already committed to keeping Storm Sandoval at a distance?

So why the hell does that choice feel so thoroughly wrong?

“Tell me the truth, Shae.”

When he looks at me like that, like he’s putting everything on the line, I sober quickly. “Show me, Storm. Don’t tell me. Let’s take this slow. A few dates. A courtship.”

“A courtship,” he repeats as if running the word through several definitions.

I open my mouth to clarify, or maybe give him an out, when the ride jolts, the door opens, and we’re ushered out like nothing monumental just happened.

As we walk toward the lot, the weight of everything presses down on me again. But I can’t leave him with silence, so I say what I can.

“I want everything you want too, Storm. So help me, God, I want it. And it scares the shit out of me, but….”

He stops and gently tugs my lip from between my teeth with his thumb.

“But what, Sweetness?”

“I just need some time. I can’t jump into the water with both feet because if I do, I’m terrified I’ll drown.”

The wind blows, cool and insistent, and my hair whips across my face. He brushes it away with reverence, like I’m made of glass and as volatile as lightning.

“So I just need…I just need time.”

I count along with the low beat playing from the speakers. I can’t tell what the song is, but I count to four each time anyway.

“As long as you’re willing to give me a chance,” he whispers, “I can work with that.”

He doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t try to convince me otherwise. Just holds my gaze like he’s anchoring both of us.

And in that moment, my mind almost believes him.

My heart though? It does a trust fall.

17

SHAE

My resolve is put to the test two days later, when Storm and I meet to present our proposal for Professor Hansen’s class. I expect Storm to give me the third degree about why I haven’t met with him in person, choosing to work asynchronously on the project materials and giving him the driest responses to his texts.

I should have known that Storm Sandoval would be a man undeterred.

“I think you’re gonna wear a track in the hardwood if you keep pacing like that.” Storm sounds amused as we stand outside the classroom. We’re next up for the mock pitch competition hosted inside, and there are several prominent business owners, as well as a city official here to judge.