Page 42 of Embrace Me Forever

“Where in Alaska?” Georgia-May inquires.

“Seward, a city south of Anchorage.”

Anne’s gaze settles, though her suspicion lingers. “Is your family still there, Blake?”

A sharp pang hits me at her question. With a serious expression, I respond, “No. The Hartleys are my only family.” My thoughts drift momentarily to Georgia-May and Coco, the family I yearn to call my own. “Trust me, Anne, I’ll do everything in my power to protect your sister and niece and to neutralize those who wish them harm. There will be no distractions.”

Anne regards me intently for a long moment. “All right, but I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

I manage a grin. “Fair enough.”

After dinner, Anne insists on handling the dishes alone, while Georgia-May retires to her room with Coco. I find myself lingering in the living room, nursing a cup of green tea Anne had prepared. The quiet of the evening wraps around the house, broken only by the occasional clink of dishes from the kitchen.

Soon, Georgia-May joins her sister.

“She’s asleep?” Anne’s voice is filled with the warm concern of an aunt.

“Yeah. She’s been so good today,” Georgia-May responds.

Anne casts a meaningful glance in my direction, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, my presence had a calming effect on Coco today. Then, turning back to her sister, she suggests, “I’ll grab the stuff for Blake.”

“No. You go to bed. You’ve got an early start tomorrow,” Georgia-May insists, her voice firm yet caring.

“Okay. I’ll be back before Coco’s appointment,” Anne concedes, and with a quiet goodnight, she disappears into her room.

Moments later, Georgia-May comes to me with an armful of sheets, pillows, and blankets. “Let me make the couch,” she offers, gesturing for me to sit up so she can arrange the bedding.

“I’ll do it,” I insist. “Seriously.”

She hands me the stack of linens and watches as I spread the sheet over the cushions. Breaking the silence, she says, “Um, Anne’s taking me to the hospital tomorrow. The appointment’s at eleven.”

“I’ll drive you and Coco there,” I declare, determined not to let the anxiety of this afternoon’s solo trip to Denver repeat itself. With Coco in the mix, my protective instincts are on high alert. I need to be right there, within arm’s reach.

“If you’re sure,” she replies, her voice tinged with relief.

Then, I notice her activating the house alarm. “It looks like you take security seriously,” I quip.

“I don’t have a Poppy, though.” A slight smile touches her lips as she reminds me of my robotic dog left at home.

I chuckle, smoothing the final crease on the makeshift bed. “Well, as you can see, Poppy never minds me leaving her home alone for days on end without notice.”

“Point taken,” she says with a smooth laugh. “Good night, Blake.”

I’m not ready to let her go just yet. “Georgia-May, about—” I falter. Inside, I’m dying to ask her to start over, to revisit that kiss that still lingers on my mind. But when I try to speak, nothing comes out except a heavy sigh.

“We’re good, Blake, seriously,” she reassures me, sensing my struggle.

I pause, searching for the right words, then slowly say, “You’re so young, so beautiful. And Coco, she’s unbelievably sweet. I swear I’ll keep you both safe. But you don’t need me in your life forever.”

“Forever, huh?” Her voice is tinged with depth and a note of caution.

“You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met before. Believe me, my encounters with women have always been fleeting, and I don’t want to hurt you because that’s all I seem capable of. I respect you more than anything. Trust me, it’s for the best,” I explain, each word heavy with the sincerity of my intentions, even as it pains me.

Her eyes search for the truth behind my words, a silent question hanging between us about the possibilities of what could be versus what should be.

Unexpectedly, she places a hand on my shoulder. My pulse skips, wanting more, but before I can respond to the warmth of her touch, she leaves.

Yet I’m compelled to say more. “I was married, but my wife died.”

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