Page 85 of Lily In The Valley
“I had no choice in the matter,” I replied, scratching my forehead. “I’m hoping to head back after Nessa’s baby shower.”
He nodded slowly, resignation settling between his brows. He and I knew the clock was ticking on the peace we’d settled into. When we got to my car, we stood there, his hand not knowing where to land. Mine gripped the thin strap of my purse to anchor me. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his trousers, trying to keep his heart from spilling out on the concrete beneath us.
“I really am sorry,” I said, the words coming out breathless. “I know I can’t go back and change things, take back what I said.”
Fuck.
My voice caught at the back of my throat. The tears I thought I’d left with Ms. Reece punched the backs of my eyes. I blinked hard.
“I’m sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry for not giving us a chance. I understand if things are different between us moving forward. But know… I appreciated everything you did for me. Even when you called me out on my bullshit.”
A tear slipped free when I blinked.
Khalil’s thumb caught it.
His hand moved so gently, like I was made of something breakable. He cradled my face in both palms like it was the only thing in the world he wanted to touch. I let myself lean into him without armor that rusted long ago.
“I’m sorry, too,” he said, his voice thick and low. “For pushing too hard. For not knowing when to let go and when to just hold space.”
He pulled me to his chest, and I folded into him like a love note written on notebook paper, ready to be dished off between passing periods. My arms wrapped around his waist. His scent wrapped around me–sandalwood and smoke, like the afterglow of something still burning, calling me home.
“I missed this,” I whispered into his chest. “I missed you.” He pulled me tighter. I felt his jaw bury into the top of my head as we stopped there locked in the embrace, neither of us wanting to be the first to let go.
“And thank you for my new bestie, Karter,” I said, smiling and stepping back. I pulled my phone out and showed him the pictures of me and Karter that threatened the storage in my phone. Us on a walk. Us lounging in bed. One extremely cute snapshot of me cuddling Karter and him nuzzled in the side of my face.
“Karter? What the hell kind of name is that?”
“A cute name for an even cuter puppy. Don’t hate.”
“Ain’t nobody hating.” He laughed, his eyes twinkling.
I grinned. “I can’t picture you changing diapers. Unlimited babysitting, huh?”
“Your girl drives a hard bargain.” He smoothed a hand over his head and bit his lip. “Besides, I was desperate.”
He started walking backwards to his car, then paused. “Take care of yourself, Lily-girl,” he said, stuffing his hands back in his pockets.
My heart skipped. That nickname. That damn nickname.
“You, too,” I replied, unlocking my car.
I opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat. He leaned on the side of his car, watching me like he didn’t want to look awaytoo soon. I gave a small wave. He nodded once. And then I drove off. I didn’t cry again. Not because it didn’t hurt.
But because it didn’t feel like goodbye.
It felt like a comma.
Not a period.
Chapter 26
Khalil
I wokeup in a bed that wasn’t mine.
Again.
The sheets smelled like incense and coconut oil. Her perfume clung to the pillowcase like a second skin. The sun filtered through gauzy curtains, spilling across her hardwood floors in strips like faded film stock. It was morning, but not bright, just enough light to remind me I hadn’t dreamed myself into this place.
