Page 71 of Fall Apart

“You need to lighten up.” She stops her hand when she reaches the bulge in my pants from just learning she’s not wearing a bra right now. She hums and runs her finger over my crotch, making me squirm in my seat.

“Not now. The roads are bad and I need to focus.” As much as I would love to feel her touch, I’m not going to be distracted and put us or others on the road at risk. I grab her wrist with one hand and set it back in her lap.

“You know you’re cute when you’re mad.”

I glance over at her and I see her biting her lip, looking at me.

OK, she’s definitely buzzed.

“We’ll get you tucked in bed with a glass of water and some ibuprofen soon enough.”

I look over again to see her press a finger to her lips as her eyes roam my body. “I bet you would have looked really hot in your ski gear.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, sure. If you say so.”

I turn at the roundabout, heading down the road to TJ’s house when I hear her slap her hands to her thighs.

“Oh my god, yes. You should totally come out and ski with us. You said it yourself, youcanstill ski.”

I feel my grip on the steering wheel tighten. I know she doesn’t realize what she’s doing right now, but it still hurts, bringing back so many memories.

I swallow, keeping my eyes on the road. “Appreciate your enthusiasm, but it’s not going to happen. You know that.”

We pull into the driveway and I park the car.

“Oh come on, don’t be a party pooper. Come out with us tomorrow.” She clasps her hands together like a prayer. “Please.”

My jaw clenches and I practically hear my molars grind. I turn, snarling at her. “Lizzy. Drop it. Now.”

I look away, shut off the SUV and get out. I walk over to her side and open the door. I offer her a hand to help her down, unable to look at her.

She knows not to push this button. And right now, it doesn’t matter if she knows what she’s doing or not. I don’t want to deal with this.

She takes my hand, her warm, soft skin easing some of the tension coursing through me. I look down, seeing that the bratty, playful look on her face is gone. Her blue eyes are soft but dead sober and locked on mine.

“I’m sorry. I forgot. I didn’t reali-”

I bring my hand to her cheek before cupping the nape of her neck.

“Please. Just drop it and move on.”

She nods and I help her down, shutting the door behind her and leading her inside the house.

I walk her up to her room, not saying a word when we stand at the door. She stops and turns to look at me.

“I mean it. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you that.” Her voice is hushed and filled with remorse. I might be pissed but there’s no way I can stay mad at her.

I reach out and tilt her chin up to me, looking her right in the eyes. Her eyes might be soft and understanding, but she holds my gaze as always, never backing down from me.

“Just please never push that with me.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “A few people, like my doctors and physical therapists, like Grace and Kayleigh, they know I’m physically fine. After my rehab and recovery from the injuries, everyone kept asking why I wouldn’t ski again.Just get over it, move on. You know you can do it.”

She reaches out to me, running the backs of her fingers over my stubble. I lean into her touch, reaching up to hold her hand against my face.

“I hate that. I hated having to talk to people about it. I hated having to relive everything and explain it.”

She stands on her toes, placing a soft kiss on my other cheek. “You don’t have to tell me anything else. I won’t ever push you on trying to ski again. I’m sorry I got carried away.”

“Thank you.” I lift her hand off my cheek, kissing her palm.“Your turn now.”

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