Page 83 of When You Were Mine

And he would.

He would absolutely earn her trust.

“Trevor, I don’t know what you want from me.”

“I want your forgiveness. I think I saw it in your eyes tonight. Am I wrong?”

“No, you’re not wrong. I do forgive you. And I even forgive myself for the way I handled things. But that’s all we needed to do. Forgive ourselves. Maybe?—”

“There’s not an ounce of maybe in my body. Elzy, let me come up and see you.Please.”

“I think we should just sleep on it. See how we feel in the morning.”

“Fuck that. We’ve lost enough time, and I’m done waiting. I’m done living my life without you.” He knew he was coming on too strong, but she needed to hear it. “From the moment I walked away from you, I’ve been lost. No matter how much success I’ve had or how many people I’ve met along the way, without you I’m just so fucking alone. Do you understand me? I am wandering this earth alone.”

“Yes, I understand you.”

“Elzy, I need you to take me back. I made a terrible mistake, I fucked up, but pleaselet me come home.”

In the silence following his plea, blood roared in his ears, and his heart pounded.

Had he come on too strong? Had he lost his chance with her?

Even through the fear blazing through him, his gut told him he’d done the right thing. He’d laid his heart in her hands.

From this point on, it was up to her.

Come on, Elz.

Take me back.

But still, nothing but silence. Incredibly, it gave him hope because she hadn’t said no. She hadn’t told him to fuck off.

So, he waited.

Until, finally, she spoke. “Room twenty-two-twelve.”

What have you done?

Elzy hurried into the bathroom, but she didn’t know why. She didn’t have time to shower. Shave. Put on makeup.

Why would I put on makeup?

She turned back around, wondering if she should clean up the room. After tossing her boots into the closet, she stuffed her scarf and hat into a drawer.

This is ridiculous. You’re not having a dinner party.

Just calm down.

She looked down at her flannel pajamas and ratty old slippers. She didn’t know why she’d taken them into the city with her. She hadn’t planned on spending the night. Habit, maybe? She was so used to peeling off her work clothes and getting comfortable that she’d just shoved them into her giant tote.

But really, when had she become so frumpy?

AmI frumpy?She glanced at the mirror over the dresser.I don’t feel frumpy.

How could anyone feel dull when Trevor Montgomery touched her like she was the sexiest woman in the entire world? And that was it, wasn’t it? Trevor sawher. Not her oversized pajamas. Not what car she drove or how many decorative pillows she had on her couch. He didn’t notice her lipstick. He just wantedher.

He wanted to consume her. All of her.

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