Chapter11
Katelyn
By the time I’ve managed to finish cleaning up after dinner, I’m so exhausted I can barely see straight.I yawn and cover my mouth as thunder rattles the windows just outside.The news says this could be the worst storm we’ve seen all season, and I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that it’s got me nervous.
Thomas can’t be bothered, though, as he sits on the couch, playing his video game, a big smile spreading over his face when he scores a goal for his team.
I can’t help but smile, too.He’ssohappy here.Of all the places we’ve lived over the course of his thirteen years, this has been the best place for him.He’s made actual friends, joined the baseball team, and as of this week, his grades are finally where they are supposed to be.
As always, that sick churning in my stomach begins because, if I’ve learned anything over the last few years, it’s that this peace won’t last forever.Eventually, the ghosts of my past will catch up to us, and no matter what I’ve promised myself, I also know I won’t remain somewhere he’s not safe.I can’t risk him—not even for his own happiness.
I’ll be forced to rip him away from everything he loves here, all while coming up with some half-excuse as to why because the truth would absolutely wreck my sweet boy.And I can’t do that.
Not now.
Eventually, he’ll learn the truth.But right now, I want him to continue growing without that weight on his shoulders.
“I’m going to take the trash out; then we can do dessert.Sound good?”I say.
“I’ve got it.”He tosses his controller down and jumps over the back of the couch.After planting a kiss on my cheek, he heads straight for the garbage can.
“Really?That easy?”I arch a brow playfully.Truth is, he’s always been so incredibly helpful.
“I’ll do anything for you, Mom, you know that.Besides—” He trails off and pulls the bag from the can.“This gives you more time to make the sundaes.”He sticks out his tongue and heads for the door while I laugh behind him.
So happy.
Whole.
Why can’t it stay like this forever?
As he runs the trash down the hall to the trash chute, I pull out two bowls and the ice cream I grabbed on my way home today.After scooping some into a bowl, I start to top it with chocolate and whipped cream.
But the sound of a deep, muffled voice outside has my heart rate spiking.I toss the can to the side and sprint across the apartment.
No.
It can’t be.We’re safe here, right?
I rip the door open, ready for a fight, and the panic in my chest dies instantly, replaced by attraction as I meet the gaze of the handsome neighbor that I’ve been tryingreallyhard to distance myself from.I’d been doing well, too, until yesterday when I ran into him at the beach.
Seeing him standing there before me, the golden sunlight bringing out the olive tones of his skin, is an image that’s been with me ever since.
“Hey, Mom, look who I found,” Thomas says with a smile.The trash is no longer in his hand.“He was just coming home, and I told him we had plenty of sundae stuff if he was interested.”
Garrison’s gaze never leaves mine as he steps into the doorway wearing the same dark jeans he had on earlier.His jacket is unzipped, revealing a blue button-down shirt that’s open just enough to see a bit of dark chest hair.
My stomach twists, and heat spreads through my body.I swallow hard.“Yeah, we definitely do.Have plenty,” I add.
“Are you sure?I don’t want to impose,” Garrison says.His tone is neutral, but his expression is anything but.I just can’t bring myself to look too closely at what’s reflected in those dark, gorgeous depths.
“Not imposing at all,” Thomas says, clearly oblivious to what’s transpiring between me and this SEAL during this silent moment.
Why me?Why him?Why now?How can he affect me this way?How can he make me feel like the only woman alive, even as Iknowanything between us would be a major mistake?How can a simple look from him erase all of the fear I’ve carried at the mere thought of a relationship with any man after what I went through?
“Not at all,” I agree, plastering a smile on my face.“Come on in.”I hold the door open so he and Thomas can come inside.
“Are you sure?”he asks when he pauses near the door, his voice low and deep.“I really can just go home.”