Page 84 of A Pretty Fixation

“I’m fine. I wanted to check something, so I askedDr. Sharma to help me go back to my time in the foster home.” I look throughthe doorway at Caleb. He has his back turned, observing family pictures. “Ipromise I’m fine. I won’t do it again.”

“Is this about Caleb?” Dad murmurs, glancing at myboyfriend briefly. “I like the kid, but I hope he’s not pressuring you toremember. Is he?”

“No, he isn’t.” I shift in the spot. “It’s aboutme.”

He releases a heavy breath.

“I’m all right, guys,” I insist. “Don’t worry.Please drop this.”

Mom rubs my arm. “As long as you’re okay.”

Dad still looks concerned. “You’d tell us if youhad any traumatic flashes, right? Dr. Sharma said it could overwhelm you if itall comes rushing back.”

“I haven’t had any. I’d tell you if I did.” Afteranother look at the guy that keeps a fire burning in my heart, I say in asofter tone, “Caleb’s here for lunch with you guys. Don’t scare him off,please. I really like him.”

In loveis more like it.

They soften their features.

Mom kisses my cheek. “We like him, too.”

“He’s a good kid.” Dad turns and calls out to him.“Caleb, how about a rematch?”

Caleb chuckles as he turns from the shelf.“Definitely, sir. Take it easy on me this time.”

Dad sputters a gruff laugh. “Not a chance.”

“Everything okay?” Caleb asks on the ride back tocampus. “You’ve been quiet since leaving your house.”

I steer my gaze from the window and look at him.

He glances at me for a second. “Your parentsseemed worried when we arrived.”

“They found out I went to see my therapist,” Iadmit. “They’re afraid my horrible memories are coming back.”

He reaches over to hold my hand. “As long asyou’re happy and not stressed, they shouldn’t, right?”

“Something like that.”

“Then I’ll always make you happy.” I smile at thesweet pledge. “Like I swore back then.”

Fuck.

Pain pricks my chest.

He has me so lost in him that I almost forgot thetruth.I’m not Dove.

I squeeze his hand. “Caleb…”

“Yeah?” He glances at me briefly and sets his gazeback on the road. “What’s the matter?”

I part my lips but hesitate to say it.

How can I? I gave him everything—my body andsoul—and I accepted his heart when he handed it over on a golden platter.

“I love you,” I say instead. “Truly.”

He smirks. “I love you too, Jordyn.” He brings myhand to his mouth and kisses it. “Truly.”

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