He reaches across the console and takes my hand.I freeze.
I pull away instinctively, but he doesn't flinch."A car almost hit you.No one is here to see, so just give me this."
Hesitating, I then slowly slide my hand back into his.He laces our fingers together like it's the most natural thing in the world.
His hand is warm and solid, and holding it sends a rush of comfort and longing through me.There's something grounding about the weight of it, the way our fingers fit together like they were made for this.
At the next stoplight, I stare at our hands, wishing this could be normal.Wishing we could hold hands on a walk, during dinner, while watching a movie.Wishing this wasn't the only space we could exist like this.
This simple contact fills the ache I've been carrying around since everything changed.It's just his hand in mine, but it means everything.
When we get to the new place, we unload everything with Carter and Gemma.The guest house is bright and open.A blank canvas.Carter and Gage handle the heavy furniture, while Gemma helps me organize boxes by room.
We laugh and tease each other as we work.Gage even manages to get Carter to crack a joke, which feels like a miracle.
Finally, everything's inside.
Gemma gives me a quick hug."We'll let you settle in.Call if you need anything."
Carter nods."We're just across the yard."
They head out, leaving me and Gage alone.
When Gage gets ready to leave, he lingers by the door."Just don't move on, okay?Give me time."
I turn to face him."I won't.I can't.And you?"
"Same.There's no one else, Skye.Not for me."
It’s the closest we have come to admitting our feelings toward each other, even though now we shouldn't.
I nod."My mom still wants to meet you.She hasn't forgotten."
"Name the time.I'll be there."
"I can give you a ride home if you want."I do not want our time to end.
He smirks."No need.I'm your new neighbor."
I blink."What?You're kidding."
"Nope.I live right there.It's how Carter found this place.I told him about it," Gage says with a smile.
A fact that Carter and Gemma conveniently left out when offering me the guest house.They know I'd have said no if I had known, but now there is no backing out.
I groan."Fuck."I whine and cover my face."This is going to be torture."
He leans in, brushing a hand down my arm."Only if we let it be."
And maybe, just maybe, it won't be.
Because he's still here.
And so am I.
We stare at each other for a minute, then he laughs.And for a moment, despite everything, I do too.
Chapter 16