Page 52 of Second Goal

“Do you deny it?”

He hesitates, and in that one second, I feel my heart shatter.

“It doesn’t matter,” I spit out, letting anger mute the pain I feel.

When I try to move away, he doesn’t let me. One hand tangles in my hair and he rests his forehead against mine. “I care about you more than I’ve ever cared about anyone, Kiley.”

“You have a plane to catch,” I say stonily. I know his words should bring some sort of ease, but they don’t. I want more than just his protection, I want his heart.

“I don’t want to leave you.”

“And I don’t need you worrying about me.” I toss the words at him. But I know the truth now. I do need him. More than I’ve ever needed anyone.

His eye twitches and he opens his mouth, then shuts it, back teeth clenching. “God, you’re so stubborn.”

My palms go to his chest and I push him away. “Because I don’t want to be someone’s project? I don’t want you to protect me. I want you to—” I want him to love me. But it’s a stupid fantasy.

He places a hand on the bathroom door before I can shut it on him. “I do.”

I blink up at him. “What?”

“I do...” He swallows, pressing a hand against my cheek. “Can that just be enough right now? Let’s just deal with the shit in front of us first.” Again, the fear in his eyes is unmistakable.

I nod.

His lips brush against mine. “You terrify me, Kiley.”

“I know,” I whisper.

But what terrifies me the most is that I think he’s more scared of loving me, than losing me.

Chapter Fifteen

Blake

In the seat beside me,Kane glares at my knee as it bobs up and down rapidly. It’s been the longest three-hour flight of my life.

“Knock it off,” Kane growls, hand slamming down on my leg. “You’re giving me anxiety just looking at you.”

“She hasn’t returned my calls,” I say as the plane starts to descend. Two damn days and all I’ve gotten from Kiley is one lousy text telling me the dogs are fine.

I know she’s upset with me. And I’m not a complete idiot that I don’t know why.

“I spoke with Brynne this morning, and Kiley was with her. She’s fine.”

It does nothing to ease my anxiety.

“You two fighting?” Kane asks.

“I don’t know what we are. She...” I wince and look out the small window as the city starts to get closer. “She told me she loved me.”

“And?”

“And I was too much of a coward to say it back.”

Kane grunts. “I get why she’s avoiding you.”

“I don’t know if I can give her what she needs—”

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