Page 113 of Dare You to Run

He’s quiet before finally saying, “Okay. I can meet you there and help you pack up.”

“No,” I quickly blurt out. “I can do that myself. I’ll just text you when I’m on my way over.”

“Alright.” His voice is small and distressed.

I end the conversation with a simple, “See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow. I love you, Dagen.” His words hit me like an arrow to the heart, and I’m sure my lack of pierces his.

I throw myself back on my bed and close my eyes. I don’t know what I’m going to say tomorrow, or how I’m going to feel seeing him. I guess I’ll just let my heart decide.

I pull my dark green Mercedes in front of the house and see Hendrix’s Maserati parked in the driveway. The engine silences when I press the button and I stare at the front door.

The drive up here early this morning was filled with racing thoughts and a pounding heart. Anxiety swirled in my belly, wondering what I would feel seeing his face. His stupid handsome face with that devilish grin and sinful body.

My hand rests on the tattoo between my breasts, the one I got for him and the one my parents saw and about flipped the table over. I find tracing the lines brings me comfort and helps the turmoil fade away. Maybe it’s a telling sign of where my heart lies.

I step out of the car and close the door. When I spin around, Hendrix stands on the front stoop, looking better than I’ve ever seen. His blonde hair is a little longer and his scruffy face has a thicker beard. He wears one of his simple black tees and those damn jeans that hug his muscled legs and firm ass.

They’re lethal and scramble my brain.

I walk slowly up the sidewalk and see the smile on his face grow and his eyes glisten. He wasn’t kidding about my Dad breaking his faucet.

I reach the door, and come toe to toe with him.

“Hello,” I breathe.

“Hi baby.” He leans in and places a small kiss on my forehead.

I want so badly to reach out to him and dive into his arms. I want to get lost in a passionate kiss, but I have to stay strong.

“Come inside.” He takes my hand and gently tugs me across the threshold.

I gasp when I see all that he has been doing. The living room that boasts rich wood floors is completely decorated with the furniture we picked out and more. Pictures hang on the walls and books are lined up on the built-ins that flank the fireplace.

“Are those my books?” I ask.

He pulls me further in and guides me to sit down on the golden mustard colored velvet couch that he let me pick out. His home in Mississippi is modern with sleek lines and cold stone and metals. This little craftsman home was far too cozy for decor like that.

“Well notyourbooks per se, but books that you would like. I kind of took a peek at your wishlist.” He smiles almost shyly, and takes a seat next to me, leaving a bit of space between us.

“You didn’t have to do all of this. Especially if you’re going back home.”

“Dagen. I don’t think you understand. You’re my home. Wherever you are is where I want to be. If that means I have to travel to the moon just to be in your same orbit, I’ll do it.”

Tears build in my eyes and my throat clogs. “Hendrix. Don’t say that.”

“Why not? It’s true. The small time I have had you in my life has been the best in my entire twenty-nine years. I didn’t realize I was missing a big piece of me until I found you. Don’t you see. Without you in it, I’m an incomplete man.”

I let the drops fall over my lids. I’m not strong enough to resist this man. A man that owns every bit of my heart. A heart that will never belong to another. No matter what becomes of us.

He drops to his knees in front of me and takes my hands in his. “I am so sorry, Dagen. I will never be able to say it enough. I screwed up, in a big way. But if you forgive me, I promise to love you even bigger.”

I let my eyes focus on our hands as tears splash down.

“I don’t know. You broke me, Hendrix.”

“I know. I’ll never be able to forgive myself for that. But I’m willing to put in the work, day in and day out just to earn your trust back. And your love.”