Page 58 of Always Love You More

“You’ve seen what my life is like. Being around me isn’t a good place to be. It’s …” I wrap a hand around my middle. “It’s selfish for me to want you there.”

“But I like being there,” she says quietly. “I like being with you.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.” She blushes. “A lot.”

I blink as she stubs out the joint.

“I like being with you, too,” I murmur.

She brings her knees up to her chest. “Really?”

I nod then repeat her words. “A lot.”

She smiles, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen.

Catching me watching her, she asks, “What?”

“Your smile,” I tell her. “I like it when you smile.”

She runs her fingers over her lips before she slides off the desk and steps over to a chest of drawers. “Are you tired?”

Exhausted.

“A little,” I answer.

“I’m going to change. I’ll um …” She bends down to grab her sleep clothes. “I’ll be right back.”

“I can step out.”

“No, it’s okay.” The drawer squeaks as she closes it. “Do you need anything?”

“I’m all right.”

“Water?”

“That’s okay.”

She nods before leaving, the door softly closing behind her.

It’s not long until she’s back, wearing a T-shirt that swallows her whole. I drop my eyes to the floor so I won’t stare as I hear her walk over to her bed.

I look up when the springs creak, finding her sitting across from me, her body mirroring mine.

“I’ll let you get some sleep,” I mutter, turning to stack the pillows behind me, but before I can get far, Sam comes up beside me.

“Let me,” she says.

I drop my hand and look up at her.

She arranges the pillows, and I attempt to move my body back.

“Whoa, easy,” she warns. She holds out her arm for me to grab onto, helping me lower myself down. Once I’m settled, she asks, “That feel all right?”

I nod.

The bottom of the bed dips as she sits by my feet. She reaches for my boots, and her eyes move up to mine, asking permission. I dip my chin, and she begins to untie them.