Page 60 of Please Don’t Go (The Midnight Strike #1)

She tries to climb off me, but I don’t let her. I keep a firm grip on her ass as I make my way through the house and up the stairs until we’re in my bedroom.

“You’re surreal.” I kiss her again because I can’t get enough of her and I know I never will. And now, even though there’s no label to what we are, she’s my girl, mine, and I intend to keep it that way forever.

“I hope that’s a good thing,” she says, bemused and a little bashful too.

“I’m sorry.” I sit on the edge of my bed with Josefine straddling me.

“What are you sorry about?” Her brows pinch together and her lips purse like she wants to say more but doesn’t know how.

“About everything. Before you say it’s not my fault, I’m still sorry. I know it changes nothing, but I hate those who made you think…who made you feel…who…I hate them so much.”

“Don’t hate. It’s not worth it.” She cups my cheek, offering me the faintest smile. “Please stay you. I like your soft heart.”

I smile, the anger fading away. “My soft heart?”

Her face flushes and she casts her gaze down. “Yeah, you have this thing where you see the good in things. I don’t want that to change about you.”

I dip my head to meet her stare. “Okay, I promise it won’t.”

We hug. I’m not sure how long we do this for, but I lock up and enjoy every single second of it. It’s not until I open my eyes and spot the bag that I remember why I brought her up here.

“I hope you like what I got you.” I stand and sit her on my bed.

“You really shouldn’t have.” Her tone is aloof, but I note the curiosity burning in her eyes.

“You know me; I love a good holiday.” My cheeks warm as I hand her the bag and the card I made her.

She grins, opening the card first. It’s not as thoughtful as the others. I’ve been busy with baseball and classes, and now that Bryson and I have to share a hotel room at away games, it made it hard to work on it.

But she reads it and stares at it like I’ve gifted her something expensive. “It’s not as great as the others but?—”

She shakes her head, cutting me off. “No, shut up. I love it. I’m so happy you’re here, baby.”

My heart painfully squeezes. It shouldn’t, but hearing her say that makes me feel glad I stuck with my promise.

Shaking off the thought, I lift a brow, smirking. “Did you just call me baby?”

“I was testing it. Not sure how I feel about it though.” It’s cute when she blushes and she’s doing that now. “What do you think?”

“You can call me whatever you want.” I perch on the bed next to her. Truthfully, I want to hear it again, but I don’t want her to feel pressured. I kiss her shoulder and snake my arms around her waist.

“I don’t like cuddling,” she says, and I tense, drawing my hands away but she stops me.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so dry, and I didn’t mean I wanted you to move.

” She pauses and exhales a shuddering breathing.

“I don’t like cuddling with anyone, but I really like it with you.

I like doing things with you. So, uh, if you want to, you know, hold my hand, or hug me or even kiss me, you can. Whenever you want. If you want.”

I’m stupidly smiling and holding her so close to me. I’m sure at any point she’ll beg me to let go, but she nuzzles into me. “I’ll do whatever you want. Anything you want. Whatever you say, I’ll do it.”

“Okay.” She nods and looks away, but I know she’s smiling and probably feeling shy about it.

“I’m yours, Josie. You can also do those things and more. Whatever you want.”

Hopefully this means coming to my games and wearing my jersey. I don’t say that out loud, but I know she knows what I’m referring to.

She nods and focuses on the bag. My heart hammers as she pulls the white tissue out then gingerly grabs the yellow Care Bear. Her brows shoot up and she sucks in a sharp breath.

“I saw this in Alabama and thought of you.” I study her expression but it’s stoic.

Josie stares at it for a long moment, fingers rubbing over the yellow faux fur. Silence eats up the seconds and maybe even minutes, but then she stands, looking a little spaced out.

“I-I need a minute.” She sets everything down and walks out of my room, not sparing me a glance.

I don’t know what that’s about but I’m up and following behind her into her room. “Josie, hey, talk to me, baby. What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head, and her back is to me, but I see her wipe her face with her arm. “It’s nothing, I’m fine. I just needed a minute.” She sniffles.

“Hey.” I’m standing in front of her and embracing her in a hug. “Talk to me. I’m your person, remember?”

“It’s stupid. It’s nothing.” But she defeatedly drops her head on my chest and sniffles louder.

“I’m here,” I softly offer and rub her back.

At first, she doesn’t say anything and then I think she won’t until she shrugs.

“It’s honestly really stupid. You’re going to laugh, but I didn’t have toys growing up.

Mom thought they were a waste of time. She didn’t have them as a kid and thought I didn’t need them either.

Like I said, it’s really stupid. I don’t even know why I’m crying.

” Her voice cracks. “I just need a minute. I’ll be over there in a moment. ”

I hold her tighter, kissing the crown of her head. “It’s not stupid. Let it out. Your feelings are valid.”

“She wasn’t a horrible person. She was strict, but I had everything I needed. I don’t even know why I’m crying,” she grumbles and pushes away from me. “I’m okay, I promise. You can leave. I’m not going to be mad. Like I said, I just need a minute. I’ll be all right.”

“Here’s the thing, and listen to me closely…

” I cup her jaw with both hands, staring at her red, tear-filled eyes.

“When I said I like you, I didn’t say that for the hell of it.

When I said I like you, I meant I like every version of you.

That includes all the moments whether they’re good or bad.

That means all your little expressions, all your dry snarky comments, all your smiles, laughs, and everything that comes from you.

I like it all, Josefine. I know it’s hard for you to open up.

I know it’s scary and I know this is probably a lot for you, but I am here and as long as you want me in your life, I’m not going anywhere.

So…” I bring my lips to her forehead and kiss it but let them linger there.

“I’ll give you a moment. Take your time. I have forever.”

I kiss her forehead and let her go, but I don’t make it far before she’s clutching onto my hand.

“Please don’t go,” she quietly pleads, clutching onto my hand hard.

I wrap her up in a tight embrace, and she does the same. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”