The engine turned over, gravel crunching softly as she backed out, giving him one last look before pulling away down the drive, disappearing slowly into the stretch of trees.
Axel stood there for a moment after she was gone.
Just watching the space she left behind.
Then he exhaled, dragging a hand over his face before turning toward his truck.
The drive to his parents’ place was quiet.
Familiar roads. Familiar turns.
But his mind was not on any of it.
It stayed back at her house, on her couch. On the way she’d looked at him like nothing had changed—and everything had.
He pulled into the gravel drive, cut the engine, and sat there for a second before stepping out. The house looked the same as always. Nothing out of place. Nothing different.
Except him.
Inside, it didn’t take long.
