Page 13 of Need You To Choose Me

Something of my own. Something I wanted so desperately my whole life, but never dared to hope for. Somebody to call mine.

I had it. For a little while, it was Grams and me. Our own little family.

Losing her, the only person who truly loved me, wrecked me to my core.

Could she see it wherever she was right now? Did she realize that she left me all alone, and this was some kind of sign?

Emotions swell inside of me at the thought of Grams. My eyes burn, my throat grows tight. What would she say to this whole thing? Would she be disappointed in me?

As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I push it back.

No, not Grams. She would have my back.

“I think…” I start, but my voice comes out groggy, so I clear my throat before trying again. “I wanna keep it.”

CHAPTER THREE

BLAKE

August

The flicker of blonde shines in the sunlight.

I narrow my eyes as I take in the woman, my heartbeat rising as recognition sets in. “Blondie?”

She turns around, eyes the color of the summer sky widening in surprise at being caught sneaking out.

Before I can think twice about it, my fingers wrap around her wrist and tug her to me. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Home,” she whispers, her teeth sinking into her lower lip.

My gaze falls to her mouth, wishing I could have a little taste. What would she do if I leaned in and kissed her? Would she pull me in or push me away?

I’m seriously contemplating testing my theory, but she takes a step back. “You knew the rules.”

One night. No names. No kissing.

Yes, I knew the fucking rules, and I cursed myself for agreeing to them in the first place. We weren’t some stupid kids playing games.

“Fuck the rules!” I yell, reaching for her, but it’s too late.

She’s already gone.

I sit upright, my heart hammering against my rib cage as I scan the bare room—my new bedroom.I run my palm over my face and rub at the stubble covering my jaw when the alarm clock catches my attention.

7:15 a.m.

“Fuck.”

Pushing back the covers, I jump out of bed and make my way down the quiet hallway.

All summer long, Levi’s been waking up at the crack of dawn, along with me, but the day school starts, of course, he has to sleep in.

Slipping into his room, I go straight to the bed. The covers are hanging off the mattress, and one of his arms is tossed over his head, his mouth open as he breathes.

“Levi, buddy.” I give him a gentle shake. “Time to wake up.”

His eyelids flutter open, sleepiness still clinging to his gray irises. “Dad?” he croaks out, rubbing at his face. “What time is it?”

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