Page 67 of Stealing Forever

One thing Ididn’tconfide in Hartley about, though, wasthatconversation.

Our future.

Such a heavy topic for a new relationship, but with a child involved, it was necessary.

We talked about her, both of us realizing we have the same fear of hurting her if things between us don’t work out.

Not only is Sailor’s well-being common ground, but it’s a priority for both of us.

I could see the relief in his eyes when he realized I care just as much about how this will affect her as he does.

But that conversation also made things feel exponentially more real.

I also expressed my need to finish college before things get too serious between us, and he told me I am in the driver’s seat. We can progress our relationship as slowly or as quickly as I want.

He isn’t going anywhere.

Which is reassuring, but that little voice in the back of my head still is telling me to proceed with caution.

And now, as I drive back to his home in Bridge Point, every mile feels uncertain.

Something is wrong.

Off.

I can feel it in every inch of my body.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Sailor’s neck hangs in an incredibly uncomfortable position as she sleeps in her car seat.

Lovely.Now she won’t sleep when we get home, and she’ll be an emotional rollercoaster by dinner.

A pop music station plays on the radio, doing its job of keeping me focused with upbeat liveliness while I continue down the road. The drive from Ridgewood to Bridge Point is monotonous. I start thinking about yesterday, and I’m hit with a wave of longing.

I miss him.

Using the automated feature on my car’s dashboard, I call Declan. He might still be coaching, but I want to hear his voice.

He answers on the second ring, his deep timbre filling my car speakers. “Hey, sweetheart.”

“Hey,” I drawl. “Bad time?”

From the speaker, the distinguishable sound of a ball connects with a bat, then some muffling directly on the phone, like he’s moving away for some privacy.

“Not at all. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything’s good. I just dropped Hartley off at the airport. Sailor fell asleep in the back, so I was hoping for a little company. But I can hear you’re still at work, so I won’t keep you.”

“I’m hoping to be out of here soon. How about I fire up the grill when I get home and make us some barbecue chicken sandwiches as an early dinner?”

“Oh gosh, Sailor would love that. She’s been asking to go to Chick-fil-A all day.”

Declan laughs. “Well, not much tops Chick-fil-A, but I think my sandwiches are a pretty close second.”

“Hmm. I’ll be the judge of that,” I tease, my stomach already growling. I guarantee they’ll be better than the popular fast food chains and I’m a stan for them.

“I look forward to your critique,” Declan muses.

Smiling, I drum my fingers against the steering wheel and sit up a little straighter in my seat. “I’ll let you go, see you shortly?”

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