Page 190 of Make Me Trust Again
“That’s normal.” I lift my hand and cradle her face, my thumb skimming over her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“I…” Her lips part, her eyes growing distant again. “I can’t believe he’s gone. Likereallygone.” She shakes her head, almost like in a daze. “It just feels surreal.” She blinks, her gaze meeting mine. “And I feel relief. What kind of person does that make me, Chase?”
“Human. It makes you human. There is nothing wrong with feeling relief at the knowledge that the person who’s been hurting you won’t be able to do it again.”
“I don’t care about me.” Rose tilts her head into my touch. “I’m just glad that he won’t be able to take Kyle or hurt him ever again.” Her gaze goes to my brace. “That he won’t be able to hurtyouagain. I can still hear that gunshot. Still see you fall…”
Her throat bobs as she swallows, tears gleaming in her eyes.
“Sweetheart, I’m fine. He’s not hurting anybody ever again.”
Rose gets out of the car, her arms gently wrapping around my middle as she pulls me to her. “I can’t lose you, Chase.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I reassure her, pressing my lips against her temple.
Rose pulls back, those big blue eyes meeting mine as she cups my cheek. “Promise?”
Sliding my hand to the small of her back, I pull her to me. “I promise.”
Leaning down, I capture her mouth in a gentle kiss. Rose melts under my touch, her fingers curling around my shirt and holding me close as her lips slide over mine in tender strokes before pulling back. “Let’s go home to our boy?”
Our boy.
He may not have my blood, but to me, he’s mine in all the ways that matter.
“Let’s go home.”
Pulling back so I can close the door, my gaze darts to the dark house once again. The place where I grew up holds the memories of my childhood, the good ones and the bad ones.
Turning around, Rose slips against my right side as we make our way to the cottage. Kyle is sitting on the front porch, playing with the dogs, who surround us the moment we come into view.
Kyle shoots us a sheepish grin.“They wanted to stay outside and play.”
“You know school is tomorrow, right?”Rose asks, but there is no real reprimand in her tone.
“Just a little bit longer, please?”
Rose sighs.“Fine. But just a few more minutes.”
Together we climb onto the porch and sit on the swing. Rose rests her head against my chest and lets out a long sigh as we watch Kyle play.
“This is all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hmm… Just peaceful nights at home sitting next to the person I love. My child, happy and healthy. Laughter filling our home.” She tilts her head back. “You gave us that, Chase.”
I shake my head slowly. “You gave me that, Rose—you and Kyle. I would still be all alone in that huge house haunted by the memories of my past, if it weren’t for you two. Letting the guilt eat at me. But I don’t want that anymore. I want you and Kyle. I want more nights like this. I want you guys to move in with me.”
The words slip out before I can think them through. Rose’s eyes widen in surprise, lips forming a little “o” as she just stares at me. The silence stretches between us, making the ringing in my ears seem louder. My heart is beating wildly inside my chest, my palms sweaty while I wait for her to say something. Anything.
Fuck.
Was it too soon?
Too much?
“It doesn’t have to be right now,” I rush out when she doesn’t say anything. “A lot has happened over the last few months, and I know you and Kyle need to adjust, but once you’re ready…”
