Page 92 of Trust Me With Forever

As he made room for me, I was torn. But when he asked me again, I caved and slowly crawled into bed.

It wasn’t long until Rafe’s heat and scent comforted me and I fell asleep, wondering how I’d share the most embarrassing and difficult times of my life with the entire world.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Rafe

Aunt Lori:Are you sure you don’t want me to come over and help Abby take care of you? I have some experience with lads that get hurt.

Me:No, no, I just want to rest. Besides, West and Emmy are coming over later.

Aunt Lori:Okay. But I’ll pop by in the morning. The sheriff and I have a plan.

Me:Um, what?

R:He’s an old friend. And the whole town wants to help you and Abby.

Me (typed but deleted):Oh no. I’m scared now.

Me (actual reply instead):How?

Aunt Lori:I’ll tell you in the morning. But don’t worry, it doesn’t involve torches and pitchforks. They’re not as effective as flamethrowers, anyway.

Me:Um, what?

Aunt Lori:Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell you about it in the morning. Rest, lad.

Me (typed but deleted):How the hell am I supposed to do that if I think you’re running around with a flamethrower?

Me (actual reply instead):I will. See you tomorrow.

Two weeks later, I was determined to get Abby alone so I could tell her how I felt.

Ever since I’d been released from the hospital, people had been coming and going, offering food and help and advice. While it still awed me considering how I’d abandoned Starry Hills for so long—and I was grateful—I wanted time alone with my wife.

Well, when we were both awake and not passed out in bed. Only to sleep, so far. Fingers crossed, the doctor would give me the all clear at my next appointment.

But as much as I wanted to strip Abby and worship every inch of her body, I could feel her slipping behind her inner walls more and more. To the point, I wasn’t sure if she’d even want to stay married to me.

Oh, she’d been nothing but supportive—taking care of me, doing her best to keep most visitors at bay, and thinking of how her interview could help my training facility. But the ease we’d once had, the teasing, the banter, was mostly gone. I wasn’t sure if it was because of guilt, or if it was her way of trying to protect me.

Regardless, I refused to give her up without a fight.

So the day I could finally walk around and not need a nap after five minutes, I waited until my sister left for her latest visit. As soon as the door closed, I said to Abby, “Come with me.”

Her brows came together. “Did you do too much? Do you need to use me as a crutch to get to bed?”

I tugged her to me and wrapped my arms around her. “No, I just need you. I need this.”

The last time I’d tried to hold her, she’d come up with an excuse and rushed off. This time, however, I was stronger, and I held her a little tighter. “Abby, please don’t run away again.”

She lifted her head. “What are you talking about?”

I risked moving a hand to cup her cheek. “Please, love. Just talk to me. You’ve been here, but not really. If that makes sense?”

As she bit her bottom lip, she looked off to the side. “I hate how you’re getting dragged into all my crap.”

I gently moved her head until she met my gaze again. “You have a plan. Plus, the town has our back, and I wouldn’t want to cross your friends, let alone your aunt.”

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