Page 72 of Return Policy

I made us sandwiches to help fight Sophia’s hangover, and we’re now four episodes deep into some show calledTheVampire Diaries. I tried to get her to pick something different, but she said “no takesies backsies”… and here we are.

“So this is the Stefan guy you compared me to?”

“Yep, although now I’m thinking you’re more of a Damon,” she says matter-of-factly.

“I don’t know if I should be offended or not.”

“Trust me, Damon has his redeeming qualities.” She grins.

“Guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

A strike of lightning cracks outside the window, and a loud rumble of thunder follows quickly after. Sophia jumps, grabbing my arm as my bedside lamp flickers and the TV shuts off from the power surge.

“You okay?” I ask as her forehead creases with worry lines.

“Yeah.” She looks up at the ceiling, green eyes glistening. “I just hate storms.”

I roll on my side to look at her, and she turns toward me, mirroring my position. “I’m sorry.” Her hand is resting on my arm, and I take it in mine, interlocking our fingers. With my free hand, I brush a stray hair behind her ear and rub my thumb along her cheek.

“Little sun showers and stuff, I’m fine.” She blows out a breath. “Just bigger thunderstorms freak me out… It’s how my sister died.”

Lightning pops again, causing another round of rumbling thunder. Sophia squeezes her eyes shut, tensing under my touch as her breathing grows sporadic.

“Hey.” I tip her chin upwards, and her eyes pop open, connecting with mine. “Breathe, baby.”

We inhale and exhale in rhythm, just like her panic attack when losing her sketchbook.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Once her breathing steadies, I tug her closer, and she melts into me. There’s so much I want to say, to ask, and the longer we lie tangled in my sheets, the closer I get to revealing exactly how desperate I am for her.

“Thank you for this,” Sophia mumbles against my chest. She snakes a hand around my waist, rubbing her fingertips along my exposed skin, and goosebumps scatter across my body.

“Of course.” I pull away, memorizing every inch of her face.

“What?” She smiles up at me.

“You’re breathtaking…” I’m struck down by the thought of her doing this with anyone but me. “I’m so crazy about you,” I murmur, unable to keep the words from spilling out. “Every time I think you’re feeling it too, you pull back… Why?”

She nuzzles her face into my chest. “I’m just… I’m afraid.”

“What are you afraid of?” I pull away slightly, resting my palm against her soft cheek. “Please tell me what’s keeping you from finally being mine.”

“What if you leave?” Her voice breaks on the last word, cracking my chest wide open.

“Why would I ever leave you?” My eyes scan every feature of her beautiful, pained face.

“Everybody leaves.”

She says it so matter-of-factly, it’s a sharp sword through my heart. I place my hand on her hip, tugging her closer until we’re lying nose to nose.

“I won’t.” My tone is sure and unwavering.

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