Page 106 of Burning for You

“Your mom said you were glowing.”

“It was just a comment. You should be proud. I’m glowing because of you.”

“What’s the truth, Carolyn? What’s the chance I will see a photo of you and Anton in that clinic?”

“I was never with Anton. He came out of the blue after I got out of the clinic.”

“Tell me straight, please.”

I rub my face. “Someone must’ve noticed me going into St. Anne’s For Women. Remember, I was sick for a couple of days after that meeting with Josh?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know!” I say. “I guess I was disappointed that I wasn’t pregnant.”

Levi releases a long breath. “Oh, Carolyn,” he says, hugging me. He takes time to nuzzle my hair and rub my back. “I want you more than anything. There’s no other person I want to have a family with.”

My brain is quick to respond, singing baby coos in my head, which makes me smile instantly. But I can’t deny the hurt in Levi’s voice.

He continues, “You’re in here, Carolyn. Always.” His fist thuds at his chest. “But the truth is, I’m suffocating. I need to escape this city. Clear my head, on my own. I never thought it would be this hard. Please understand, I need time to be alone.”

I understand, although deep down I can’t help feeling abandoned. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, then?”

He gulps. “I need more time.”

“How long will you need?”

Levi drags his feet to reach the front door. His hand is on the handle, but after a moment he lets it go and turns back.

“God! You’re my everything, Carolyn,” he says, placing his palms on my cheeks.

My face scrunches, holding my tears.

Slowly, he says, “This isn’t goodbye. I’m not breaking up with you. You understand, right?”

“Then stay.”

His breathing accelerates into gasps. But he steadies himself. “I tell you what. Let’s start again.”

I smile. There’s determination in his voice this time.

He adds, “With a twist.”

I raise my brows.

“Let me go back to Random Valley. Alone.”

That’s not the idea of starting again that I had in mind, but he did say with a twist.

Levi maintains his firm, warm tone. “Give me three days, and then come and join me. Only, pretend you don’t know me.”

His warmth travels to me.

“And I will take you again,” he says.

I kiss him and nod in agreement.

“Now, will you let me go?” he says, eyes twinkling. “I’ll leave for the airport from my apartment, because I don’t know you.”

“Okay.” All I can feel is a grin on my face and a tingle in my chest. Letting him go has never felt so enticing.

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