Page 68 of Dare to Need

“For you and Garrett, too.” She patted the side of my face and wrapped her thin arms around me one more time before she moved on to my brother.

“Come here, son.” My father’s embrace was stronger every time we hugged—a poignant reminder of just how lucky we were that he’d survived.

His large hands rested on my shoulders as he said, “Remember what we talked about?”

“Of course. I’m glad to see you’re being true to your promise to mom. I think you both are going to have a blast overseas.”

He glanced in her direction and that shimmering light that gleaned in his eyes as he walked up to us with her by his side shone once again.

“It’s been a long time coming. I’m glad I was able to make it through the heart attack well enough to follow through for her.”

“We’re all thankful for that, dad.”

“I know you are, son.” He gripped my shoulders tightly and brought me closer. “I want you to make me a promise.”

“Anything,” I said and meant it.

“There’s no question that Eva is your person. Promise me you won’t waste time showing her just how important she is to you. All the money in the world can’t buy more time, so make sure you spend it wisely.”

He brought me in for another hug that was even tighter than the one mere moments ago.

“I promise, dad.” And it was the easiest promise I’d ever made.

As we all said our final goodbyes and Garrett and Lucas went back up to their rooms to grab their luggage and wait for the car that was bringing them to the airport, I reflected on my father’s words and the promise I’d just made to him.

He was right. Evawasmy person. And after she stood by my side through the most hellacious event of my life, I knew I had to show her just how much I needed her in my life.

EVA

“Thank you for everything, Drema. I don’t think I would have gotten through this without you.”

Earthy scents of cinnamon and bergamot whirled around me as we embraced.

“Of course you would have gotten through it, Eva. You’re strong and the love you share with Garth will withstand anything that comes your way. But I’m glad I was able to be here for you during such a difficult time.”

She rubbed my upper back before we pulled apart. Our plans for everyone to take the Walker family jet back to Florida had been interrupted as Garth told me we would be taking a detour before we headed back home.

I helped Drema pull the rest of her luggage out to the sidewalk so the chauffeur could play Tetris while putting them in the trunk.

“Call me as soon as you land, okay?”

“I promise.” She gave me one final hug before she ducked into the black sedan with a wave.

Something pulled in my chest as I watched her car drive away into the thick traffic of downtown Manhatten. While I was excited to start my new journey in New York City come August, it felt like I was leaving a big piece of my heart behind with my best friend and family still in Florida. Everything was shifting again and while I knew this was a season of life, one that felt ever-changing, I was craving for some normalcy. The ability to settle down and build a stable life.

Closing my eyes, I breathed in all the scents of the city that felt so foreign to me the first day we arrived. As I opened my eyes, I looked around, taking in the height of the buildings, the people passing by—some with looks of wonder, others who were clearly veterans of the city—and thought of all the potential the city had to offer Garth and me. The late-night strolls that would often lead to something more, the decadent food that would nourish our souls, all the beautiful people I would get to photograph, and the cultures I would be able to experience.

It didn’t have to last forever, I assured myself. But I could let this new chapter be the epic adventure I deserved and the city would be my playground. A place to explore all the sides of myself that were slowly being uncovered.

Heat stamped my cheeks as I thought back to the alleyway and the nightclub when Garth helped unveil the vixen that was so desperate to be unleashed. Since then, she was always present. This version of myself had been chained away and kept in the dark for so long that when she finally got a taste of freedom, she refused to be sent away.

“Hello, beautiful.”

I spun around to find Garth leaning casually against a shiny black Rolls-Royce with his hands buried inside the pockets of gunmetal gray suit pants that were perfectly tailored to fit his athletic legs, and gave special attention to my favorite member of his body. The matching jacket he wore was splayed open, revealing a crisp white button-down that highlighted his naturally tan skin. Black aviators hid the molten eyes I knew were scanning my body head to toe.

Sauntering over to him, I let him get his fill before I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body against every inch of his front until I felt his arousal flex against my stomach.

“Hi, handsome.” I caressed his neck with the tip of my nose before I trailed a line of kisses against his jaw that had his grip on my lower back tightening.

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