Page 137 of Stuck With You
“Sarah, I’m ready to go. Alex has two little girls. She’s leaving, and I see the guys every damn day. I’ve had enough of them.”
Her brow scrunches. “Are you sure? I hate—”
“I have to get my coat.” I tip my head in the direction of the busy room. “Let’s go.”
The bar has only gotten louder and more crowded as the night has gone on, and I have to push through people to get back to the table.
I reach back to be sure Sarah sticks behind me, and I feel her hand slip into mine, gripping tight. This. This is what I’ve wanted all night. For a hell of a lot longer, if I’m honest.
“Sarah!” The guys erupt as I pull my coat from my stool.
“Looks like your mission was accomplished,” she says, gesturing to the empty beer bottles and baskets of food.
Alex hops off her stool. “I’m Alex.” She smiles at Sarah. “It’s really nice to meet you, but I have to go.” She extends her arms and hugs me. “Stop protecting yourself and take a risk,” she whispers, eyeing me as she pulls away.
She hugs everyone, and Carson walks her out.
“Sarah needs a ride home, so we’re leaving,” I announce, knowing the looks I’ll get, but I don’t give two shits. I glance at Sarah. “Where’s your coat?”
She smiles up at me, and it only spreads further when I roll my eyes. I drop my coat over her shoulders and grab her hand. I know she wasn’t expecting it. Hell, I wasn’t expecting it, but I made themistake of letting her walk away earlier, and I’m not dumb enough to do it again.
I inhale long and slow. It’s time I quit protecting myself. If I want Sarah as a friend and maybe more, then I have to actually do something about it.
“Ready?”
She nods once. “See you guys later.”
“Seeeeee ya!” Krissy sings, but I know there is a fat grin attached to it.
I keep her close until I push out into the cold air, and it’s a shock to the nerves swirling inside me. Sarah is fearless, but I’ve been stuck holding onto the repercussions of something that was never meant to be. And I’m sick of it.
I keep a hold of her hand as we walk to my truck, only letting go to press it to the door to stop her from opening it. She twists, and I leave my hand right where it is, caging her in. I need her right here, so I won’t chicken out.
She blinks up at me. “Hi. What are you doing?” That hint of sassiness shoots sparks throughout my body, giving me courage.
I lean closer, wanting her to understand. “Trying.”
Her brows pull together, those magnificent eyes running over my face.
I exhale, and my breath billows in the cold air, mixing with hers. “I’m gonna need you to go easy on me.”
One eyebrow raises, and the corner of her mouth lifts with it. “You’ll have to be more specific.”
This woman has no idea the power she holds and the grip she has on me.
“I’m not good at being vulnerable or. . .sharing things. I’m working on that.”
Her gaze drops from mine, tucking herself into my coat, and I want her to stay there always. My chest tightens a little at the thought.
She lifts her chin. “You’re always helping me. But you never let me help you. It feels one-sided. I don’t like that.”
She told me she always wanted me to tell her the truth. So I do. “You are helping me. All the time. You just can’t see it.”
She bites the corner of her lip, and I stare at it, wanting to lean just a few inches closer but knowing we’re not ready.
“I want to feel it. Somehow.” Her soft words melt through me.
I stare into her eyes. “I’ve been alone a long time.” I search for the rest of the truth. “I’m not sure I’ve ever really let myself need someone.”
