Page 111 of The Secret We Keep
I wait for her to process what she wants to say. “I don’t know.”
I’d never let this girl think that what she wants is something she can’t have. “Okay.” And still I wait, looking at her with a soft smile, letting her know that whatever she wants, she’ll get from me.
“Why is that okay?”
My eyes involuntarily narrow. “Come again?”
“Why is me saying that I’m no longer coming to your game okay with you, Paddy?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because we’re friends—”
“Yeah, friends, I got that part.” She glances down; forehead riddled with thick lines.
“Morgan, I’m sorry.” I’m not sure what for but saying it again to her doesn’t hurt as much as seeing her like this does.
Her hands fly up. “Please. Don’t be sorry. It’s my fault for falling for you again.”
My heart bursts.
Again.
Feeling indescribably drawn to her; I have to brace my legs to stop them from moving in her direction. I don’t want to crowd her or have her back away from me any further than she already has.
“You’re not the only one who’s falling here, Morgan,” I tell her gently, still very fucking much here with her, riding these new emotions right by her side.
She runs her fingers through her hair but stops herself from saying anything in response.
When I go to tell hereverything,I stop.
The barrier into the yard draws upwards, making a whirring sound that has both of us turning to see who’s coming.
“I should go.” Morgan isn’t composed by any means, but she clutches her bag as if it’s supporting her as she quickly starts walking away.
“Wait,” I say loudly over the sound of the incoming car.
It rolls into the yard, kicking up a little dust.
“No, Paddy. I need to be alone,” she shouts back.
No, that’s the worst thing.
Knowing I should keep her company, I make a split-second decision and run to her. Putting my body in front of hers, she stops walking.
“Paddy, please. I need to go.”
“Just wait,” I throw up a hand, “please. I can take you home or we could go for a walk with Kevin.”
“I don’t want to go for a walk with Kevin!” she blasts, and the sound of two car doors opening can be heard.
I look up and spot Holly’s parents, Pete and Christine, here to collect his car. “Alright.” I take a step back.
I’m frightening her.
Head spinning wildly, I know that booking that test and catching the bus would have been huge for her. She did those things on her own. I thought she was ready. I thought we were getting somewhere.
“Morgan?” Pete angrily yells. “Get away from her.” It takes me a beat to realise he’s talking to me. “Morgan, is everything alright?” His arms swing, making his way to her.
Nothing about this situation will be helping her. I get it, but this fucker needs to leave. I can help her, but not with him shooting death glares at me like I’m the bad guy.
