Page 35 of Wasted Memories
“You’re okay. You’re safe.” His voice was soft as he rubbed circles on my back.
Once my heart stopped feeling like a drum about to break out of my chest, I looked down at my hands shaking in my lap. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
He shook his head, lightly grabbing my chin to bring my eyes to his. “Don’t be sorry, Em. For as long as you’re in my house, I’ll be here every time a nightmare wakes you. You’re not alone anymore.”
God, I hated how those words made my heart squeeze.
“You think you can fall back asleep?” he asked.
I nodded, laying back on the bed. I was half inclined to ask him to sleep next to me, but it was the wrong time. It felt so empty up here.
“If you need me, just wake me up, okay? I don’t mind.”
“Thank you,” was all I managed to say before he laid back on the floor.
I was thankful he didn’t ask what the nightmare was about because I didn’t want to relive it again. I feared going back to sleep with the thought of that night rushing back to me, but I couldn’t stay awake forever.
At some point, I’d have to let the darkness claim me.
Chapter Eighteen
Emerson
Iwassittingatthe kitchen island trying not to stare as Wesley made breakfast when my phone rang. Seeing it was Stella, I hit accept.
“Hey, I should be there in a couple hours,” I said into the phone.
“About that..”
“Oh God, now what?”
Wesley stopped scrambling the eggs to turn around and face me, leaving the pan on the heat.
“Jett’s truck was around all night. He drove by a few times, revving his loud ass engine. I think Luke was with him for a while, too. It might be better if you stay there, at least for a few days. The moment he stops coming around for longer than a few hours, I’ll call you.”
I ran my hand through my hair, tugging at my scalp. This was really not the news I wanted to start my day with. He was obsessing over me, as if this was some kind of hunt.
“Maybe I should talk to him.”
“No,” Stella and Wesley said in unison.
I pointed a glare at Wesley. “How else is he supposed to calm down? Maybe he just wants to know I’m okay. I can’t stay away from him forever.” Sooner or later, I’d run into him. It’d be better if it was on my terms and not when I’m taken off guard.
“I can see why you might think that’s a good idea, but if I were you, I’d give it a few days. He’s heated, and as we both know, heated Jett doesn’t play by the rules.”
I sighed into the phone and leaned my elbow on the counter, pressing my forehead into the palm of my hand. “I just hate that this is happening.” I felt a tightness in my throat and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to cry in front of Wesley.
“I know. It won’t be like this forever though, I promise. I have to go in to work now, but I’ll text you later.”
“Thanks for letting me know, Stella. Love you.”
“Love you always.”
I set the phone down and lifted my head, the tightness in my throat easing. Wesley glanced at me as he divided the eggs onto two plates with some bacon and a slice of toast.
“You can make your own decisions, but I hope you’re not planning to go see him.”
“I’m not. Stella’s right. Now’s not the time, especially so soon after everything.”
