Page 63 of Come to Me
"Our future together?"
I nod. "How about we just let it happen instead of over-directing it?"
"One question every few months isn't over directing." He runs a hand through his hair, his expression filling with concern. Great. I'm a matter of concern again. "I love you, Alyssa. And I never doubt that I want to be with you. Do you doubt you want to be with me?"
Shit. I could lie.
Or I could be honest. He deserves that.
"On occasion."
He releases a heavy breath. Like he just got punched in the gut.
"Okay. That's fair. You know what a fan I am of reasonable doubt."
I suppress a laugh. "That's only vaguely related."
He smiles slightly.
"True. But it made you smile."
"Luke, you're killing me here."
"I know." He searches my eyes. "But I won't be able to think of anything else until you tell me if you see a future together."
"We've been together for a year."
"That's not an answer."
"Are you going to keep sending my friends to check on me?" I ask. It's not an answer, not really, but it will deflect him until I can figure out what to say, how to explain the thoughts careening around my brain.
"You sounded shaky. I needed to know you were okay, even if I had to hear it from her."
He doesn't sound at all apologetic about it.
"Why don't you ask me?"
He sighs.
"Would you tell me?"
"Maybe." I look up into his knowing eyes. I have to look away, have to bury my head in his chest.
"I love you, Ally. I'm not going anywhere."
"Even if I close off and shut you out?"
A moment of silence. And when he does respond, he doesn't answer the question.
And that fact isn't lost on me.
"You still haven't answered my question."
My heart clenches in my chest.
"Can I think about it?" I ask. I don't know if it'll help, but it'll at least get me out of this conversation now.
"Fuck, Ally." He lets go, takes a step back. Looking away, he rakes a hand through his hair. "You can't eventhinkabout our future?"
