Page 197 of Micah

Slowly.

“Sloane.”

I wait.

She finally looks at me.

Really looks at me.

I reach for her hand, threading my fingers through hers.

“I’m not trying to bulldoze you. I just, I can't have anything happen to you.”

The confession sits heavy in my chest.

“It would break me.”

The words come easier than I expected. Maybe because they're the truest thing I've ever said.

She searches my face for a long moment. Then she squeezes my hand.

Not hard. Just enough to let me know she heard every word.

And somehow...

That tiny squeeze feels like a promise neither of us is quite ready to say out loud.

I brace myself for an argument.

For crossed arms.

For Sloane telling me I'm overstepping.

She doesn't.

Not this time.

She studies me for another long moment, those warm brown eyes searching my face like she's trying to decide whether I'm serious.

The thing is I don't think she realizes there's nothing casual about me.

Not when it comes to her.

When I decide something matters, I commit.

Completely.

And Sloane?

She matters more than anything I've ever put my hands on.

Eventually, she lets out a slow breath. The tiniest smile tugs at one corner of her mouth.

“You really are stubborn.”

“I've heard that before.”

“I bet you have. A few times at least, right?”