Page 23 of The Secrets Behind Us

I turn back to look out the window and we are both silent for the rest of the ten-minute ride back to my parents' house. I grip the door handle to let myself out, but something stops me. “Thank you.” I turn over my shoulder to whisper to her.

I rush into the house to find both of my parents sitting together on the couch. The sight of them makes my heart clench. What will happen to my dad if her sickness gets worse? My stomach churns as my thoughts move toward my relationship with Dexter. Will I ever have that? Will it be with Dexter?

My foot is on the first stair to head to my room, but my mom's voice stops me. “Hey, Hazel. How was last night?”

“Fine. I’m tired. I’m going to lie down upstairs," I say, forcing a smile.

“Okay, sweetie. Get some rest.”

My mom's voice calms me a little, but then I remember how she is sick and the tears start to come. My life is a hot mess, and I don’t know what to do about any of it. Once I enter my room, I throw myself on my bed, bury my face in my pillows, and I let it all out.

I can’t even wrap my head around how to handle any of this as questions run through my head. How do I deal with my mom being sick? What if I lose her? I don’t even have a job. What if I can’t find one here in Rose Valley? Then on top of all that, there's Dexter. Will he ever forgive me? Or will he punish me forever for not telling him about the unknown texter? What if he decides I’m not worth his time anymore?

The tears keep falling. I can’t seem to stop them, and I’m not sure I want to.

A knock on the door jolts me awake. I wipe the drool from my mouth. I must’ve cried myself to sleep. Someone knocks again, then my mom pokes her head in. “Hey, sweetie. How are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” I answer sleepily.

“Well, someone is here to see you. Would you like me to send him up?”

I sit up quickly and excitement zips through me. “Dexter?”

“Yes, honey.”

All I can do is nod, incapable of making a sound.

My mom disappears back into the hallway. Shit, I probably look awful. I jump up and head to my bathroom. One look in the mirror is all it takes to see my puffy cheeks paired with swollen and red rimmed eyes, combined with the ratty shirt that I’d changed into. I splash cold water on my face hoping that it will help some, but I think at this point, it’s a lost cause.

I hear the door to my room open and close. I guess it’s time to get out there and face the music. I head back into the room and my breath is stolen from me when I see a gorgeous Dexter standing there in a black T-shirt that puts his muscles on display. His dark blue jeans hug his ass and legs like they were made just for him. My mouth goes dry at the sight of him. I can’t help but stare.

“Hey, Hazel. Do you want me to wipe up some of that drool for you?” He says with a teasing tone.

His words snap me out of whatever fucking spell Dexter seems to have put on me. I wipe my mouth and he gives me a smug smirk.

“Why are you here?” I carefully ask.

“Well, Sugar Lips, you left. Again. Making me have to chase you," he says with a serious tone, as he arches an eyebrow.

“I wasn’t sure where we stood, and it felt weird hanging in your apartment without you.”

I move to my bed and sit down. Dexter follows suit and sits across from me.

“I told you not to leave. You are mine and I protect what’s mine,” he growls at me.

“I’m yours? For real?” I ask him anxiously.

“For real. But on one condition.”

“What’s that?” A brick drops in my stomach. What could his condition be?

“You can’t ever leave me again.” His eyes brighten with hope.

“I won’t, I promise,” I reply as a smile spreads across my face.

Dexter leans over and brushes his lips against mine. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him down to me. I deepen the kiss. With my mouth, I tell him that I’m never leaving again. I show him how sorry I am for not trusting him. That I’m going to love him forever.

He pulls away, grabbing my face, forcing me to make eye contact with him. “No more secrets, okay? We are going to leave them behind us. Do you hear me, Hazel?”

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