Chapter 63. Unraveling Secrets

The thoughts running through his head should've discouraged him to go further. Not push his luck with her. They should've reminded him of the consequences instead. Scared him away for good.

But the fear of losing her forever outmatched them all. His chest ached somewhat. The pit of his stomach churned. Just thinking of never seeing her again—it gutted him at night. Robbing him of sleep. Making him doubt his own logic and sanity. "You're gonna leave LA for good?"

"That's not what I said." Jessi averted her eyes. Her soft hand clasped his forearm, ready to push him out the door. But she didn't.

For him, it was enough encouragement. Maybe he could still change her mind. He just wanted to see if this still had a chance. If he actually had a chance. No harm in trying. He just didn't want to end up hating himself more because she thought he didn't try harder. "Yeah, but, you didn't really say you wanna come back."

A flash of regret and guilt crinkled the smooth, pa