Page 132 of Love Me Dangerous

A lump thickens in my throat. I remember that moment in Sofie’s kitchen, dancing like a fool while Linnie heckled us. But this time, I picture William there too, his eyes bright as he takes it all in.

“Do you think Sofie would stay?” I gulp a quick breath to steady my voice because what if this dream isn’t impossible? “For me?”

Hutch gives me a soft smile. “Maybe it’s time you asked her.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

SOFIE

Zach holdsmy hand as we walk from the Hutton’s house toward our little room above the barn. He was quiet tonight, stealing looks at me over our lively dinner with Barb and Henry.

The cold darkness closes around us, reminding me of that night, but I focus on Zach’s warm hand in mine and the steady crunch of our shoes on the snowy path.

We climb the stairs and Zach opens the door. His little space heater is running full tilt but it’s still chilly. Though, if tonight is anything like the others we’ve spent here, I’ll be warm soon.

“Don’t take that job,” Zach says.

In the soft light from the bedside table, I take in the yearning in his eyes and the set of his jaw.

“What job?”

“The one with Teague Lennox and his son.”

Who told him? Jesse? Ava? it doesn’t matter.

Zach’s leaving in two days and we haven’t talked about what will happen after, and he hasn’t asked me about my plans. We’ve been too busy wrapped up in each other, and it’s been too good to spoil.

Under normal circumstances, the uncertainty would be eating me alive.

But I’m scared.

“Why?” I ask.

“Just don’t.”

I release a slow breath. “It’s an opportunity, Zach.”

“Is it just the money?”

“Yes… and no.”

“Tell me about the no part.”

“Don’t do this.” We only have two nights left, and I don’t want to spend this one mapping my future without him.

“What if the money wasn’t an issue, what would you want?”

“Zach, stop.” I suck in a breath, but my emotions are expanding too fast inside me. Ava’s words flash in my mind.You’re the strongest person I know.So why don’t I feel strong right now?

He draws me to his lap on the futon couch. My thighs slide alongside his, creating instant warmth between us, and a powerful intimacy that terrifies me.

If I look at him, I’m going to start crying.

“If it’s just the money, we can find another way,” he says.

“We?” I say, my voice like sandpaper. I try to slide off his lap, but he grabs my waist.

His look sharpens. “Yeah,we. As in you. And me.”

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