Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 25
I’ve Got You
Ciara
“Dylan,” I giggle as I try to get away from him tickling me.
I’m supposed to be packing for our trip. We leave in the morning. I already saw Ciarán off for his trip with Daliah and Vega. He was so excited.
They’re taking him to Universal Studios. I wish I could see Dimitri, Nashawn, and Ross in the theme park. I have no doubt my brother will be safe, but I’m sure it will be amusing to see those big guys trailing him and the girls.
I’m so happy Ciarán has so many people who love and care for him. I’m going to miss him this week. Dylan started tickling me because I’ve been moping as I pack.
“We can take him again on his next break,” he breathes into my ear.
“It’s not that I’m not going on the trip. It’s that I’m not going with him. I’m going to miss his little face.
“How could he be so happy to leave me behind? My heart hurts.” I pout.
Dylan stops tickling me and wraps his arms around me as he kisses the top of my head. His warm embrace begins to soothe me as he rocks us from side to side.
“He’s twelve, baby. He’s going to be homesick within a few days, and he’ll be calling you every five seconds. Right now, all that’s on his mind is all the fun he plans to have,” he says against my neck as he buries his face there and inhales.
I sigh. “I better hurry up. I should have done this by now, but I was too focused on making sure Ciarán had everything he needed.”
“Let me help you.”
“If that help comes with you keeping your hands off me, then sure.”
“Shit, in that case, you better get your ass to packing. You’re on your own.”
I burst into laughter and toss the shirt in my hand at him as he flops down on the bed. He catches the shirt and brings it to his nose to inhale. I roll my eyes and turn my focus back to packing.
“You and Ciarán’s shit always smells like fresh laundry. You have to show me how you do it.”
I laugh. “I don’t know, I can’t show you all my tricks.”
“Give me time, I’ll figure them all out,” he croons.
I pause and let reality hit. It’s been four weeks, I’ve already learned a lot about Dylan. I can’t say I’ve learned anything off-putting.
However, now that Ciarán isn’t here. It seems like things have slowed down in this moment and I have to wonder what we’re doing and where this is going. I frown and stare down into my suitcase.
Dylan reaches for the front of my shirt and tugs me to him. He then lifts my chin for me to look at him. I search his eyes as my thoughts race with all the things I should be focused on.
“What just happened?”
“Just thinking.”
“About what? Talk to me.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t go. I mean, I might need this time to myself to think.”
“Think about what?”
“Us, this, what I’m doing. Yeah, the chemistry between us is insane, but is that enough for this to last? This might be too good to be true. What happens when we disagree?
“Do you kick me and my brother out? Will you fire me from my job? I think I’m fucking up because you’re the most familiar thing in my life.
“You’re attached to a past I want desperately to remember and connect with. However, I’ve given you so much power in my life and I swore I’d never do that again. What if I’m caught up in a fairy tale that ends badly? I have more than just me to worry about.”
“Baby, first you need to understand I’m not an asshole. I would never leave you out on the street with nothing. Second, there’s nothing you could do that would make me so mad I don’t want you.
“If you need time to yourself to think—” He pauses and shrugs. “I want you to come with me, but I’ll give you the time you need. I’m going to miss you, but if you want to stay, that’s up to you.
“I have always belonged to you and always will. I’m here. I will remain in your life no matter what capacity you decide that will be in.”
“Gah, you know you’re not helping, right? You’re too perfect.”
He tugs me to him for a searing kiss. I climb onto the bed to straddle his lap. He palms my ass and deepens the kiss.
My thoughts and emotions settle as I melt into him. My safe place. With Dylan, I always feel like everything will be okay.
I’ve tried to fight that feeling, but his actions always justify my deeply rooted response to him. I’ve fallen so hard for him, and it scares me. As if he knows and understands this, he wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly.