Page 57 of Falling With a Spin

He pulls back from me, putting space between us, which is probably for the best because I was two seconds away from jumping his bones and saying fuck it to whoever is in the house. I let out a slow, deep breath and he chuckles, causing me to throw a pillow at him.

This week with him has been amazing, truly. I haven’t felt this comfortable or safe with anyone in so long. It's like coming up for fresh air after feeling like you’ve been drowning for the last year. Maybe even longer.

“Do you want to talk about what happened earlier today?” He looks over at me, and my mind drifts back to Izzy.

“Izzy and I danced together growing up. We were tied at the hip.” I turn to lie on my back, looking up at the ceiling. “Her and I had this raw talent, and then two years ago, something happened. We fell out of contact because of it, and today is the first time I’ve seen her since then. I only get updates on how she is doing from social media, but other than that, we’ve been radio silent.” A humorless laugh leaves me, and I don’t know why, but I just want to scream and cry. Not only did I lose my passion but I lost a friend too.

“What happened that made you two lose connection?” He questions, and I realize that I have moved closer, causing tingles to erupt inside me.

“That's a story for another time. I promise I will tell you.” I turn to give him a small smile.

His lips form into a thin line, not pleased with my answer but knows not to push me. “Try to get some sleep, okay?”

I nod, turning onto my side as his arms slip around my waist and sleep takes over.

I jolt awake, my breathing becoming heavy, and I lean forward, resting my palms against my eyes. I take a deep breath in and hold it before releasing it.

“You’re okay,” I tell myself as I remember where I’m at. “You’re no longer with Chad.”

Even miles away, he is still haunting me, ruining me no matter how hard I try to stay away. Once I think I’m finally moving on, where I think things can become normal, the nightmares remind me that will never happen.

Glancing to my right, hoping I didn’t wake Hunter up, I notice that the bed is empty.

Where did he go?

Grabbing my robe and slipping on my slippers, I make my way down the hall. I stop when I hear voices coming from the kitchen.

It’s Hunter and my Dad?

I tip-toe a little closer in order to make out what they are saying.

“She’s my little girl no matter how old she gets.” My Dad’s voice cracks.

“I know, sir. She is strong and resilient.” Hunter responds.

“I haven’t been there for her when she has needed me. She says we aren’t too late, but I feel like we are.” There’s a sadness in his voice that causes a crack in my heart.

No, it’s not too late.

“I don’t think it’s too late either.” Hunter’s voice is raspy as he has just woken up. “She loves you very much. I’ve only known her for a short period, but I can tell she wants to make you proud but doesn’t know how. Give it some time and start putting in the effort. She did it for so long when she didn’t need to, and now it’s your turn.”

My dad doesn’t say anything but I also don’t see him do anything. Tears fill my eyes, and I swallow down the sob that threatens to make its way up.

“I saw how you both interacted this week and the smile on her face was bright, nothing like I’ve seen before. She was truly happy and trust me when I say it’s been a while since she’s felt that way.” Hunter taps his fingers against the counter and lets out a sigh. “I should head back to the room; it's getting late.”

“Son,” my Dad’s voice rings deep and sorrowful throughout the kitchen. But I don’t hear what else he has to say as I quickly leave the hallway and make my way back to the room. I slide under the covers and close my eyes just right before Hunter walks back in.

My heart is racing when I feel the bed dip, and an arm slides around my waist as Hunter pulls me against his chest.

“You know, you’re not all that sneaky, right?” He whispers in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my body.

Damn it. I’ve been caught.

“A girl can try,” I laugh and turn in his arms. “Thank you for what you said.”

“Anything for you,” He kisses the top of my head, and I close my eyes, letting the darkness take me once again and hoping this time it’s peaceful.

Chapter 22

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