Chapter 2
He hesitated for a second, his eyes scanning my face like he was trying to figure out if I was serious or just some crazy fan playing games, but then another wave slammed into him hard.
I saw it hit, his whole body jerked, jaw clenching tight, a low rough groan ripping out of his throat as he pressed the heel of his hand against his forehead.
His breathing turned ragged again, chest heaving under the hoodie like he’d just run ten miles.
He nodded once, sharp, no words, and followed me around the counter.
I moved fast, heart hammering so loud in my ears I was sure he could hear every single beat.
My fingers shook a little as I reached the front door, twisted the key in the lock, and flipped the open sign to closed.
The click of the deadbolt felt final, like I’d just seal
