Page 54 of That Stranded Feeling
This unexpected trip does mean I get to spend another hour or so with him, though. But that rips at my soul as much as it fills me with joy. All it does is prolong the agony.
“Summer,please.” He’s right behind me as I step inside the front door.
I bend to pull off my boots. “No arguments. I’m taking you.”
As I straighten, he takes hold of my shoulders and spins me around to face him.
The urgency of his touch and the closeness of his body stir me deep inside. Please don’t let him slam his lips on me right now, I’d never be able to stay strong and resist.
But he looks like he’s wearing a different face. His features, which have been full of swagger and self-confidence since he walked through the door three days ago, now appear tired, slightly panicked, and a little desperate.
His obvious worry nibbles at the edges of my resolve to keep my distance, but rather than smash my mouth against his, I’m overwhelmed by the need to calm and reassure him.
I take a deep breath and reach out to hold his hands as they hang at his side. “It’s okay. I’ll get you there. You’ll make the meeting. Don’t worry.”
He squeezes my hands tight, his shoulders hunched, his face drawn and pale. “Come with me.”
I laugh. “Well, I can’t drive you there without going with you, can I?”
He shakes his head. “No, no. I mean, don’t just drop me off and leave.”
“What are you talking about?”
He has the same look in his eyes that Elsa gets when she’s pleading for the last treat because she’s worried someone else might get it instead.
“Come to the party. My aunt and uncle’s party. Come with me.”
17
OWEN
Come on, Summer. Come on. Say yes.
Her eyes light up, and she’s on the verge of a smile that looks like it’s about to turn into agreement. But, as if she suddenly comes to her senses, her lips morph into a tight line and the joy fades from her face.
She looks down. “Like I said, there’s no point. Dragging it out will only make it worse.”
The disappointment that crashes over me is more painful than I could have anticipated.
I know now that part of my heart would be left behind if I walk away from her.
But my brain is certain she’s right.
In practical terms, there’s no room in my life to be suddenly obsessed with a woman who lives thousands of miles away. And definitely no room for me to prioritize seeing her over getting together with Elliot and planning our strategy to land a life-changing investment. Yet, here I am, after less than three full days of knowing her, asking her to meet my family.
If a woman asked me to do that, I’d run—and Summer looks like she’s about to. But right now, my heart is talking louder than my head. And for the first time in my life, I’m listening to it.
“Look, these last couple of days have been like nothing I’ve ever known. Walking away from this, what we have here, what we might have here, would be madness.”
I’m gripping her shoulders way too hard, so I let go.
“I know it makes no sense. Of course I do. But we could take one step at a time. Tiny steps. See how each tiny step feels before trying out the next one.” I take her hand. “The first tiny step could be instead of saying goodbye, you come to the party with me.”
My head, my heart, my stomach clench as she looks up at me. The tension in her face fades, and the armor she’s been wearing since this morning appears to crack a little.
If her answer’s no, this will be one mightily awkward ride to my aunt and uncle’s place.
I rub my face hard with my free hand, as if it might help me get a grip.
