Page 71 of A Love That Saved Us

Out of nowhere, a half-memory tumbles in. It scratches at the surface, faint.

Did she push me off her?

I think we were in the middle of doing it one night and she got mad.

Fuck.I can’t be sure. It’s blurry. Like my mind won’t let me go back there.

“Dad, stop. Just let me get it. You’re supposed to take it easy.”

Craig scowls. “How is me getting up for my book not taking it easy? I walk around these halls every damn day. I can get it myself. It’d be good for me.”

He’s stubborn, and I get it. Wanting to do things yourself. Needing to prove you’re capable.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I can’t help myself. I don’t know how to be here and not work. To notdosomething.”

She carries so much guilt when it comes to her dad. Has for years. Even back when we first met, she pretended to be sure of her decision to shut him out, but I knew better. She’s always felt the weight of it.

I drop my gaze to the floor, trying to get a grip.Christ.These past few years have broken me open in ways I never expected. I used to be able to count on one hand the number of times I’d cried as an adult.

Now?

I’ve lost track.

“Well then, get out of here.” His face softens. “You’ve done enough, Alley girl. You’ve been here almost as much as I have. Go on. Enjoy your night.”

He may be stubborn, but he’s got a heart of gold and a soft spot for Alley.

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

My mind wanders back to the memory.Did she push me off? Did I do something?

It’s almost there. So close…

“Hey.” Her voice breaks through. “You ready?”

“Yep,” I say, catching a smile before she turns and makes her way to the couch. My eyes zero in on her ass as she bends to grab her coat and purse.

She’s wearing leggings. My favorite ones too. Her ass looks incredible in them.

Normally I’d make a dirty comment about how she’s gonna get it wearing those in front of me.

But tonight, I bite my tongue. Because she’s obviously not going to get it. And I don’t know when she will…

If she will.

She turns back around, and I clear my throat, shoving the desire down. Last thing I need is to get hard in front of her dad.

We say our goodbyes to Craig, and I open the door for her, following close behind. I reach for her hand as we make our way down the main hall.

She takes it in hers, lacing her fingers between mine.

Like before.

Her hands are cold, and all I can think about is warming them up—warmingherup. Getting her hot.

Sweaty.

Jesus, what’s wrong with me? We barely left the room and now three seconds of contact and I’m thinking about sex again?