Page 47 of Finding Forgiveness

She tilts her face back, looking up at me. “I went to see my therapist today; she advised me not to get on the plane.”

“Your therapist sounds extremely wise.” My statement has a small smile tugging at her lips.

“She’s great. She’s helping me, Con.”

“I’m glad.”

“I have to tell you something though; my mother is threatening to go after you again if I don’t do as she demands.”

“Let her. As I told you before, I’m not scared of her, Cass.”

“You should be. You don’t know her like I do.”

“The only thing I’m scared of,” I say, cupping her face and skimming my thumb over her jawline, “is losing you.”

“I’m staying here.”

“Good.”

“I know you have your therapist, but if you ever need anyone to talk to, you know I’m here for you right? Things have been rough for us over the years, but despite that, I care about you.”

“I appreciate that more than you know.”

“You’re my roomie, my cooking buddy … myfriend, Cass.”

“I’m glad we’re friends again.”

“I wish we were more.” Those words are out of my mouth before I even realise what I’ve said.

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“Even after the way I’ve treated you?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

“You deserve the world, Princess. Any man would be honoured to call you his.”

“I’m a hot mess. You can have any woman you want.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Please,” she scoffs. “We grew up together remember? Women fall at your feet, they always have.”

“If I could have any womanIwanted, Cass, there’s no way we’d bejustfriends.”

Chapter15

Cassie

I’m all over the place by the time I get home. Connor’s words are still swimming around in my head.I want him too… I’ve always wanted him. But the only way that can happen is if I tell him the truth. He deserves to know … to hear it from me, but I’m petrified of what will happen if I do. My life will implode, that much I know.

I’m hungry, but I’m too tired to make or order any food. I just want to curl up on my bed and forget everything for a moment. I turned my phone off after my call this morning because I’m chickenshit. I hesitantly switched it back on before I left the studio to find a text message that contained flight details, and two missed calls from my father’s number. My mother would be ropable that I didn’t get on the flight she booked me, and I’m sick to my stomach with worry because of it. Is she now plotting her next move? Is this safe little haven I’ve created about to crumble?

Is it wrong that I’m hoping Connor is in bed when I slide the key into the lock? It’s not that I don’t want to see him, it’s more like I can’t. I need some time to think this out … to sleep on my decision.