Chapter 42

Arrick’s face seems to straighten suddenly, his expression taking on a serious tone, and he reaches for my hand, pulling it to his and wrapping it within his fingers protectively.

“Look, I need to be honest about this. I still answer her calls and talk to her if I run into her somewhere. I don’t make a point of seeing her, but sometimes she shows up. I’m still her friend, and I want her to move on… If being in her life for a while longer helps her, then that’s what I’m going to do. This stuff with her dad sealed the deal. She isn’t in a good place right now… I don’t want this to affect us, but I don’t want to hide this from you either.” Arrick leans his butt on the counter across from me so his head comes closer, catching my chin with his fingertips and tilting my face up to him tenderly. So much going on in his eyes, and I want to believe him and not feel like his words are slicing my soul.

“You have nothing to worry about. I’m yours. You’re mine. No one will come betwe