Page 9 of Wicked Truths

I check the time on my phone. Eight thirty.

I’ve been waiting almost two hours for Francesca’s flight to get here. Two hours to try to prepare myself for seeing her for the first time in two years.

But I fail.

Miserably.

The moment she walks out into the dark, stormy night, my heart races and words elude me.

She’s more beautiful than ever. Sexier, if that’s even possible. Her long hair is falling out of the bun she tried to tie it into, and her dark eyes have bags under them like she hasn’t been sleeping well.

The thin strap of her tank top and the strap of her backpack are covering what appears to be a tattoo.

Is it a flower?

When did she get a tattoo?

Her long legs stretch out from her tiny jean shorts, making me remember what it felt like to have them wrapped around my waist.

Damn it. I shouldn’t be thinking about this right now.

That last thing I need is for my dick to be getting hard before we’ve even said two words to each other.

My gaze locks onto hers in an unintentional stare off. Neither one of us moves or speaks. We’re frozen in time while the world still moves around us.

Someone bumps into Francesca with the force of a hurricane, knocking her down.

Before I can register what’s happening, my feet propel me toward her. My arms reach out and wrap around her, pulling her into my chest to keep her from hitting the ground.

I give the guy a dirty look as I wrap my arms tighter around her.

Being this close to her feels incredible, like the past two years were worth the separation.

But the truth is, we aren’t together.

She moved on.Life moved on.

She stands and pushes me away. Her eyebrows knit together as she looks up at me. “What are you doing here?”

Isn’t the answer obvious? “Your dad asked me to give you a ride to your apartment.”

“Mmm.”

Her simple reply leaves me more confused than ever.

Is she upset about me being the one her father sent?

Is she glad to see me?

Her curt response is followed by an awkward silence.

Needing to strike up a conversation, I ask, “Where’s your stuff?”

She’s only carrying a purse and backpack.

She sighs. “With no power, we can’t get our bags, so I’ll probably be luggage free until tomorrow.”

“What about your other stuff? Aren’t you moving here?”

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