Page 6 of All the Promises We Break

We know each other so well. Her cues are there, which only enhance my desire. Our bodies roll in tandem waves until she breaks into a series of cries of calling my name and spirit. I follow quickly behind her, holding her hips down so hard I fear what color her skin may be in the morning.

As I try to catch my breath, Dylan slowly falls to my chest with her hair cascading over and between us. She snakes her arm around and under my body. I allow my fingers to trail up and down every bump on her spine once again. My Viper shivers against my skin. “Are you cold? I wouldn’t think you could be. That was fire.”

“No, I’m not cold.”

Her arms wrap tighter and tighter. I can feel her trying to hide her face in the crook of my neck. “You’re shaking.” Instinct floods over and through me as I hold her close. “What is it?”

“I was afraid.”

“Of what?”

“That this wasn’t real. We’d finish and I’d wake up and you wouldn’t be here.”

“Your dream?”

“I saw your accident. I saw your body roll, tumble, and flip like a rag doll. I ran to you and took your helmet off. At first there wasn’t a face there. Then it was me all cut and bloody. It makes zero sense, but it scared me.”

I close my eyes and process what she’s just confessed. Sometimes you can’t wash the memories away. No matter how hard you try, they’re as fresh and real as if it’s happening all over again. I wasn’t naïve enough to think that when I was on the road to recovery, she would be too.

Sometimes the effects of a trauma like that stay with you for months or in many cases years. “What can I do, Dylan? I’ll do anything.”

She sighs. “I don’t know. But this,” she turns her head to rest her lips against me, “this is a good start.”

Chapter Three

Elijah

I slept soundly for quite a while. There are some nights where we sleep completely independent of each other so I can watch her. Tonight was not one of those nights.

She wanted to sleep tucked against my body and I wanted her just as close. Since we spent so many nights where we weren’t able to touch, these nights have become a gift. Dylan hasn’t moved in hours. Her breathing is deep and even. That too is a gift.

I’ve gone back and forth in my mind about her nightmare. I know that kind of nightmare. I haven’t told her about the times I wake up in the middle of the accident and realize I’m here with her. It’s not that I don’t want to share with her but if yesterday taught me anything, it’s that I’m right and she’s hiding more than she admits to.

Feeling us take steps forward, I hope will heal her. I know it will heal me. She’s got her audition. She’s done the biggest thing for me by agreeing to be my wife. Graduation is on thehorizon. However, there are two shoes left to drop and they are inexplicably woven.

Her left hand rests across my chest. Gigi’s ring shines up at me. I try to silently give her my hand to hold, hoping that it will give her the extra comfort I know she needs. “How early is it?” she whispers with the sexy tone I’m lucky to have greet me every morning.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.”

“Are you all right? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” I can feel the tiny corners of her mouth turn up.

“Far from it. I’d like to return the favor.”

Dylan turns her chin to my chest and looks up at me through her stunningly long lashes. “You would?”

“Yes, but not in the way you mean. At least not immediately.”

“Shit. I thought I heard you thinking. Okay, Sawyer. Lay it on me.”

“We have some hurdles to face soon.”

“No track and field for you, Goose. Both feet on the ground at all times for a while.”

I laugh. “I’m serious and just to correct you, I did fine with no feet on the ground last night. Just saying.”

“You absolutely did. Shouldn’t we at least have coffee before this takes a turn for the serious?”

“I’ll make you a seven course breakfast if you’ll just have this conversation with me.”

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