Page 257 of No Need to Run
“To stop wondering if she's too much...” Her eyes never leave mine. “And finally be with someone who thinks she isn't enough.”
Every muscle in my body locks.
“Someone,” she whispers, “who takes what he wants because he's tired of pretending he doesn't.”
My grip tightens around my milkshake, squeezing so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t shoot out the top.
“Take what he wants?” I ask, my voice rough.
“Yes.” Her smile is slow and knowing. “Whatever he wants.”
The silence between us is charged.
“I—” I clear my throat, tugging at my shirt. “It’s… hot in here.”
She tilts her head. “Is it?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to go?”
Her smile grows. “Are you asking me to come with you?”
I nearly choke.
“Home, Violet.”
“Oh.” She takes another sip. “Then yes.”
I stand too fast. My chair tips backward with a loud clatter.
“Okay,” I say, quickly straightening it. “Let’s go.”
She stands slowly, finishing her drink like she didn’t just completely dismantle my ability to function.
The walkback to my car is quiet. Every step feels… loaded.
I unlock the door and hold it open for her. She grazes me with her hip before sliding inside.
My mouth is dry as I close it and hurry around to the driver’s side.
Suddenly, we’re back in that space again.
It’s just us again.
Close and contained.
No distractions.
The air feels warmer than it should.
I start the engine, but don’t move. My hands curl around the steering wheel.
Her gaze drifts over me slowly. “Are you okay?”
“I’m thinking.”
“That’s dangerous.”
