Page 158 of Promise Me Not

My dream of Deaton.

I grip the door handle, my knees bouncing.

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.

Deep brown eyes and soft dark hair.

Strong hands and callused fingers.

I close my eyes and concentrate.

And there it is.

Thereheis.

Mason’s handsome face, right there across from me. Beside me.

Above me.

My body starts to shake, months’ worth of dreams assaulting me, one after another.

“You should have seen the sunset…”

“I did.”

“He is so going to be one of those beach boys when he grows up.”

“I look forward to seeing that.”

“He’s you, Payton, and maybe he’ll be a bit of me one day, too.”

“Why are you so far?”

“I’m right here, baby.”

A choked cry escapes, and I slap my hand over my mouth.

It’s him.

It’s…Mason.

He’s been the man in my dreams, not Deaton.

But for how long? When did I lose him?

Tears fall in steady streams, rolling down my cheeks in quick succession as a cold, hard hate creeps through my veins.

How could I?

“Payton?” A soft hand brushes my arm, and I jump, remembering where I am.

With panic in my eyes and guilt so goddamn heavy I might pass out, I meet Noah’s gaze.

“What do you need from me?” he gently asks, a knowing look in his eye.

“Drive,” I manage to choke out. “Please, drive.”

Noah says not a word, but the vehicle shifts into motion, and my mind spins with each turn of the wheels.

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