Page 62 of There's No Us Without You
“I’m here,” I say against the top of her head. “I’ve got you.”
Those words have come out of my mouth plenty of times, but in this instance, they do more than just comfort her. They comfort me as well.
I don’t want to let go.
Ever.
With her face pressed to my chest, her tears leave a wet patch on my skin. “I’m such a failure,” she says, her voice muffled. “I thought I’d be fine, but with Emerson gone, I miss him. Is there something wrong with me?”
Why would she think there’s something wrong with her for missing someone? What sort of arsehole taught her that kind of nonsense?
I squeeze her soft body tighter, my cheek firm against the top of her head, the warmth of her body surrounding me. It’s almost suffocating, but in a good way.
I think.
“There’s nothing wrong with you, Eden. I miss him, too.” More than anyone could ever know.
He’s become my entire world, and he doesn’t even know it.
Eden pushes up on her elbow and wipes her face, her cheeks now blotchy, her eyes bloodshot and puffy. “I’ve done nothing with my life,” she says, sucking in a shaky breath. “Look at where I am. My dad would be so disappointed. My mother—she never even wanted me, that’s obvious. And Kent”—she sniffs—“just wanted someone to control and fall at his feet. And I did... for three years.”
My body tenses at the mention of her dickhead ex, each of my muscles vibrating from the adrenaline spike. I should have ruined his pretty-boy face when I had the chance.
“Listen to me,” I say, gripping her chin so I can stare into those big eyes of hers. “People who manipulate others aren’t worth your time. Trust me.” I swallow down the lump in my throat before continuing. “They aren’t worth pissing on... even if they’re on fire. The best thing you can do is sort your shit out and show them you’re better off without them.”
I’m breathless by the time I’ve finished. I’m also concerned with the pace my heart is beating. It’s not natural, nor is it welcome. I’ve lost control and I’m spiralling, my feelings for the woman staring at me with wide eyes getting the better of me.
She deserves better than anything I can give her, though.
So does Emerson.
Eden finally blinks and swipes at the drying tears on her cheeks. “I’ve been trying so hard to just be... me. But I don’t even knowwhoI am.”
“I think you’re doing a pretty good job of finding yourself.”
I mentally roll my eyes. Who am I right now?
“Really?” A small smile lifts the corners of her full lips, more tears sliding down her cheeks before she launches herself at me and wraps her arms around my neck. “Thank you. I think this is the most we’ve ever spoken.”
Fuck.
Eden is sucking every ounce of my restraint from my cells. Her softness and warmth spiral me into uncharted territory.
Her breasts are pressed against my chest, and the only thing separating skin to skin contact is the thin fabric of Emerson’s old club shirt she’s wearing.
The scent of his body wash is etched into the sheets beneath me, and my dick grows hard just imagining what it’d be like to have him lying next to me as well.
But . . . he’s not.
I close my eyes and try to settle my heart rate. I can’t do this—whatever this is—with Eden, so I pry her body from mine and slide off the bed.
Get a fucking grip.
A frown pulls Eden’s eyebrows in as she pushes herself up and wraps her arms around her knees, pulling them to her chest.
With a tight smile, I nod once. “Well... goodnight.”
“Wait.” Eden stares up at me, her eyes darting between mine. “Can you stay with me? At least until I fall back asleep.” Her bottom lip is caught between her teeth, her hopeful expression holding me captive.
