Chapter 23
CHRIS
Ros peeks back at me as I reach for her.
“I’m scared, Chris,” she tells me, and I stop.
The elevator doors close, and her words hit me like a wall. My words disappear.
More than anything, I want to wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. But she’s stiff, defensive.
Disheveled.
Weary.
She stops short, her back turned to me as I grip her arms.
She tries to tug out of my hold, but it’s too tight.
I press my lips together, fighting the urge to dig my nose into her cherry-scented hair even when we’re at an impasse. My fingers are practically f*****g shaking while the rest of me is taut and sharp as a blade.
“No, Rosalyn.” I take a breath, taking my time. “No more running. I’ve been running from this—from love—my entire life.” I tighten my hold, declaring it out l
