Page 33 of Fly Back to Me
For the longest time, I thought that if I ever got the chance to meet the man who saved my life, I would jump in his arms and praise his wonderful deed. I’d endlessly thank him until our time was cut short, and when we said goodbye, we’d exchange contact information to remain pen pals of some sort.
But my mission has shifted. Because if there was the epitome of an anomaly in human form, Cade would be it.
His personality is as loveable as a wall, and he’s certainly notthe staple for a male lead in a classic fairytale. When I consider how far off my imagination was when I drew up the hero in my mind, it almost …excitesme.
He has a guard up. One thick, stone wall that I crave to break down. I want to push him. Surprise him the way he’s thrilled me to my core. I want to whirl into his life the way he’s spun my heart into overdrive. I want him to show me who he really is. WhoI knowhe is.
I want to uncover the selfless man who risked his own life to shield mine. The man with a jagged edge who dons tattoos and sinfully good looks. The man who rides a Harley, smokes occasionally, and is crabby from time to time.
Yeah, just like that.
Prince Charming’s got nothing on him.
Both hands slip into my soft curls, my head angling back against the leather seat. “I don’t want to be a victim to him. I don’t want to be the girl who comes into his life to thank him for saving me. I want to mean something to him. Not because I’m the girl he rescued, but because ofme.”
“Liv, I think this is just a classic case of falling in love with your white knight. You don’t even know him,” Lauren warns.
“Do I like him? Yes,” I admit. “I’ve felt him with me ever since that night. I swear it.”
I pivot my attention to her when she turns up her palm. “What are you going to do? Walk into his life and be like, ‘Hey, I’m head over heels in love with you for some reason unknown to you. Will you ride me off into the sunset?’”
“I’m not in love with him,” I challenge.
“Yet.”
I roll my eyes, returning my attention forward. “Is it so terrible that I want to get to know the man who saved my life?”
“Of course not. I think anyone would, but you have that look in your eyes.”
My face scrunches in offense. “What look?” Then I’m peering over at her, adamantly pointing to my chest. “Idon’thave a look.”
Lauren briefly tears her eyes from the road, one brow arching in retaliation. “Like you’d do anything for him.”
“Well ….” I start, only to sigh. “I think I owe him a couple favors, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes and no. I mean, sure, he deserves your gratitude and a few nice gestures, but I don’t want you to get so blinded that you feel indebted to him. Or so infatuated that you become hopelessly devoted, regardless of how he treats you. For all you know, he could be more of an asshole than he showed you today.”
I stare blankly out the glass before delivering my rebuttal, because to be honest, I don’t even think I have a defense to make. Not a solid one at least.
My nerves bundle up inside me, the burden too heavy to carry on like this. As much as Lauren’s rational words strike a chord, they don’t strum it hard enough to rattle my hunger. It’s relief I desire. Liberation from the pressure that’s been brewing within me for five months.
“I feel connected to him,” I mutter flatly. “I can’t explain it, I just do. As my best friend, don’t make me psychoanalyze this. Please.”
Her focus remains on the street, a subdued smile forming on her lips as she reaches across the console. “I know, babe.”
I tuck my hand in hers, squeezing firmly. “Just promise me that you won’t make any judgements, okay?”
“Is that your way of telling me you’re not going to take my advice?”
“Is that a judgment?” I snap back.
“Okay,” she drawls on a smirk, her head bobbing once in defeat. “Even if I don’t necessarily agree with your decision, youknow you have my support no matter what.”
“Love you,” I sing softly.
Lauren’s palm hugs mine tighter. “Love you too.”
I may have overdressed a bit for a casual brewery visit. More than that, I’m pretty sure they’ll be writing a Lifetime movie script based on my newfound hobby—mild stalking.
