Page 135 of Counting On You

“The sex calendar was nothing, Vicky,” I start. “It started out as a stupid bet. Nothing more. Nothing less. But your friendship means everything to me. Hurting you was never my intention. I want you know that.”

“You never hurt me, Kade,” she says. “You saw a challenge, and you pursued it. Your past doesn’t define you. What you did, what you were, is none of my business. I’m just glad we met.” She searches my face. “You helped me and for that I’ll always be grateful.”

“I did nothing.”

“You did, even if you didn’t realize it,” Vicky says slowly. “You were my light in the darkness. You helped me see things for how they were, not how I wanted them to be. I was blind and foolish. I couldn’t have gone through it all without you, Kade.” There’s something in her eyes—sadness, regret, I can’t tell. “You helped me get over him without ever judging me. How could I possibly judge you based on your past when you accepted me so willingly?” She smiles, but it’s a sad smile. “You made a difference in my life. But why are we even talking about this? It doesn’t matter. Nothing does. What matters is that you’re leaving and it’s all my fault.”

I wrap my arms around her, feeling the magnitude of her emotions. Of what it could mean to be without her. Seconds pass, but I can’t think of the right words to make her feel better.

“Will you stay with me one more night?” I hook my finger underneath her chin and lift her lips up to me.

“Only if we stay here. In this room. In this bed.”

I grin, getting the hint. “Good, because last time at the beach I thought we might lose our toes to frostbite.”

She lets out a laugh, and as I hug her I realize I can’t get enough of it.

I can’t get enough of her.

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