Page 54 of Here's to Now

Her eyes narrow at my words. I think it’s the most I’ve ever revealed about myself to her. Honestly, it’s probably the most words I’ve ever spoken to her in one setting.

“Gaige Addams, you’re a damn fine man.” She rakes me over with her eyes. When our gazes meet again, she winks. “In every way.”

My laugh is instant and strong, a bellyaching sort of laugh. “Hudson has his hands full with you for sure.”

“He’s a fortunate man.” She doesn’t even bat an eyelash when she says this.

“That he is,” I agree.

She gets in her car, cranking the engine. Rolling down the window one last time, she pokes her head out.

“I don’t know what happened in your past—that’s your story—but I do know that whatever it is, it’s shaped you into a great person, Gaige. Your smartass words and your wise ones have bigger impacts than you think.”

I don’t have time to respond; she’s already backing out of her parking space, turning her radio up full blast, and flying out of the lot.

I stare after her car, wondering how I got sucked into a life where someone tells me my words matter, because they don’t. If she knew the type of shit I’ve done in my life, the kind of person I used to be, she wouldn’t say that.

After all, the opinion of a criminal means nothing.

I wait until I can’t see her taillights anymore, then spin around and make my way back to Haley’s door.

My breathing is erratic—and not from taking the stairs two at a time. No, it’s from the mere thought of facing Haley right now. Will she be angry? Sad? Hurt? Is she even going to open the door?

Once I reach her apartment, I lean my head against the wood separating me from her. My breath picks up instantly, my heart beating faster and faster. It’s like I canfeelher on the other side, can feel her emotions all jumbled together like someone shook a puzzle out on the floor and said to have at it with the pieces.

I’m the puzzle-maker. She’s the jagged pieces.

Pressing my luck, I turn the knob. To my surprise, it twists with ease.She’s letting me in.

I cautiously make my way inside, checking every square inch of the living room I’ve stepped into. It’s empty. Pausing, I slow my breathing and listen for a hint of where she may be. I can hear the shower running. Worry rises at the thought of her not locking up after herself. I know the type of hoodlums that run amuck out there—after all, I was one—and I don’t want anyone like them near her. Then I think maybe she knew I’d come back and left it unlocked for me.

Yeah. That sounds right. Still, I should have a talk with her about it.

And I should also stop being a scared little boy and just walk farther into the apartment and face her.Man up, Gaige. You can do it.

I venture into her home a bit more, noting the food on the counter. I shake my head and grin. If you know Haley, then you know she’s a bit of an emotional eater, only it’s opposite than the normal. Her eating a lot is what tells me she’s in a happy mood, that she’s lit up with laughter and life like she typically is. Then there are days when a dark storm rumbles in and takes hold of her. She’s quiet, reserved, and her light is dimmed drastically. If the half-eaten salad is any indication, the storm has taken hold today, which doesn’t surprise me considering all the drama with Rae.

It’s weird, this little quirk of hers. I didn’t take me long to notice her telling habit either. The first few nights we spent together were drowned in laughter, munching away on sweets and junk foods. Then on nights that were blanketed in silent and serious moments, I noticed she didn’t eat junk, or anything, really. I was a bit thrown at first, thinking maybe she’d just had one too many Kit Kats and needed a break. Then during one random happy day we had, just like before, it was back to chocolates galore. That’s when it all clicked for me, and I’ve learned to gauge her moods simply off the foods she eats.

Today’s mood? Conflicted. The grocery bag on the counter is a medley of healthier foods and junk.

I make my way to the kitchen and casually sort through the contents of the bag.

“It’s rude to go through someone’s shit.”

“It’s stupid to leave your door unlocked so someone can go through your shit.”

Looking up, I see a wet Haley wrapped in nothing but an oversized pink towel. Her eyes are dancing with amusement layered with anger.That’s a new one.

My eyes sweep down her curvaceous body. Oversized towel or not, I can see everything, can practically feel how her skin plays like silk beneath my fingertips. My hands twitch. The urge to cross the living room and grab on to her is strong. I want to take hold of her, lead her back to her bedroom, strip the towel from her body, and spend a few hours rolling around naked.

“You just let yourself in?”

I bring my eyes back to her face, trying to suppress the images of us naked and sprawled across her bed that are currently swirling around in my head. I have no idea what’s up with me today. I can’t seem to will any thoughts of naked Haley from my mind for more than a few minutes at time. “Well technically, by not locking the door,youlet me in.”

A brow rises, but no argument is put up.

“You called.”

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