Page 57 of No Need to Run
“So did I.”
The words linger between us, soft and real.
The air inside the car shifts. Thicker now. More aware.Like something just changed.
His fingers tap against the steering wheel, then still.
“I mean that,” he adds quietly.
I turn toward him. “I know.”
My voice is softer now. Measured. With just enough honesty to draw him in even more.
His eyes search mine for a second longer than before. Like he’s trying to figure something out.
He won’t. Not unless I want him to.
“Can I—” He stops himself, huffs out a quiet breath. “Can I see you again?”
My pulse hums low and steady.
A small smile touches my lips. “I’d like that.”
You were always going to ask. You just needed to believe it was your idea.
Subtle relief flickers across his face before he can stop it.
But I catch it. I catch everything he does.
I reach for the door handle, then pause. “I’ll win that bet, you know.”
His grin breaks through immediately. “We’ll see about that.”
I open the door, stepping out into the warm air.
Even though I don’t want to leave him.
I never want to leave him.
Before I close it, I lean slightly back in. “Drive safe, Drew.”
“I will,” he says.
Our eyes lock and hold before I shut the door and step back.
The smile on his face is full of uncertainty mixed with something else. Something that looks like warmth. Longing.
He gives me a wave before he puts the car in gear.
I stand on the sidewalk by the steps, watching as he pulls away.
Poor Drew. He’s never been loved the way he deserves.
Not until me.
After his car disappears down the street, I turn and calmly enter the house.
“Callie,” I yell as I walk through the house. “Can you give me a ride to get my motorcycle?”
