Page 137 of Doughn't Let Me Go

Because I was desperate to keep Dory in my life.

I knew the first night I met her that one twist between the sheets wouldn’t be enough. The moment she wouldn’t let me kiss her, I knew I’d have to find a way to get her to let me do just that because she had to have a good reason to keep kisses to herself.

I knew she was something special.

If she hadn’t ended up being there for the interview the next day, I would have sought her out.

Dory isn’t the kind of girl you let go.

She’s the kind of girl you love forever.

When Mel doesn’t say anything, I chance a peek at her. She’s staring at me, a big cheesy grin on her face. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”

“Of course not. Being in love requires feelings, and feelings aren’t allowed.” It just comes spewing out of me, full of annoyance and disdain and utter fucking sarcasm.

I’m pissed at Dory right now. Majorly so.

I’m so fuming mad at her because she shut me out—literally—the moment I got too real. I knew there was a chance of it the moment I knocked on her door. I knew the odds of her proclaiming her feelings for me were low.

No matter the chances, I put it out there anyway. Ihadto. To see how she’d react.

And she reacted just like I thought she would. She ran scared, which tells me everything I need to know.

My feelings aren’t one-sided.

I’m angry because she’s just too fucking afraid to admit it.

So, to answer Mel’s question in full, yes, Dory is part of the reason I’m making this choice. I want to stay here and fight. I want to prove to her I’m not going anywhere, want to show her not all relationships are as throwaway as her mom’s.

I want her to know I’m here, and I plan to always be here.

“Have you told her you love her?”

“Of course I haven’t. I’m not an idiot.”

Mel rolls her eyes. “Apparently you are.”

I curl my lip. “Why the fuck would I tell her I’m in love with her? I asked her to spend the night in my room and she freaked out on me. There’s no way I’m going to march in there and tell her I love her. She’ll run.”

“But you’re making me a partner in your company to permanently move out here for her?”

“Actions speak louder than words.”

“For such a smart man, you’re really stupid sometimes, Porter.”

A low growl passes through me and I grit my teeth.

Mel laughs.

“Doris…she’s had a tough life, right?”

I nod. “That’s a safe assumption.”

“I’m going to wager she never had someone around who showed her love, yeah?”

Another nod.

“Then don’t you think it’s maybe—possibly—a good idea to do exactly that? To march in there and declare your feelings for her and flat outtell heryou love her?”

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