Page 119 of Break My Heart
‘I didn’t know I was smiling.’
‘It’s good. I like it. I haven’t seen it for awhile.’
‘It’s been a rough week.’
‘Things will get better. They always do.’
I rest my head on his shoulder, thinking about what he said when we were outside, about how I’m already part of his family. Then I think about what his dad said about not letting fear stop you from having what you want. I’m not usually someone who lets fear stand in my way, so why am I doing it now? Why am I running from what I really want?
I look up at Sawyer. ‘I’ll do it.’
‘Do what?’
‘I’ll stay. I’ll stay in Haydon Falls.’
‘Really? You just decided this?’
‘I don’t want to leave. I like it here. And you’re right. I can’t let a few assholes run me out of town.’
‘That’s the Gina I know.’ He smiles, but then his expression turns to one of concern. ‘But what if it doesn’t work out? What if G’s has to close?’
He’s worried I’ll leave. I’d like to say I won’t, but I can’t promise that, not yet.
‘I don’t know what I’ll do if that happens. All I know is what I want right now, and that’s to open G’s again.’ I pause. ‘And for us to get back together.’
Sawyer doesn’t say anything, but I can see his hesitation in the way he’s looking at me. He wants us to get back together, but he’s worried I’ll leave like his ex did.
‘I wish I could promise you I’ll never go,’ I say. ‘But I’m not ready to yet. We haven’t dated that long and I’m not ready to—’
‘I get it.’ His smile returns. ‘I need to convince you to stay. Challenge accepted.’
‘Challenge?’ My brows rise. ‘Is this a competition?’
‘It could be. If I win, you stay. If you win, you go back to your old life.’
‘That wouldn’t be winning.’
‘Then I guess you’ll have to stay. That way we both win.’
I tilt my head. ‘I’m not sure that makes sense.’
‘Who the hell cares? The point is you’re staying, for now.’
I smile at him. ‘I’m staying.’
He leans down and kisses me, and the “for now” part of what he just said no longer feels like it belongs. I don’t want to leave, even if G’s doesn’t work out. I want to stay here, with Sawyer, and see if we can make this work.
‘Come back with me,’ Sawyer says as we walk to the house. It’s midnight and the reception just ended. It turned out to be agreat night, despite the news of my dad not coming back and my worries about G’s. Being with Sawyer tonight reminded me how good he makes me feel, even when the rest of my life isn’t going well.
‘I can’t,’ I tell him. ‘I’m supposed to be staying here tonight.’
‘My parents won’t care if you don’t stay here. I’m not in high school. They know I bring girls to my apartment.’
‘How many girls are we talking about here?’ I ask, eyeing him.
He laughs. ‘Hopefully only one from now on.’ He puts his arm around me and turns me toward the driveway. ‘C’mon, let’s go.’
‘Sawyer, I can’t. Your mom will—’
