Page 735 of One More Kiss

“I can’t,” she cried before burying her head in the crook of my neck.

“If you don’t come over, I’ll either bring the food to you or drag your ass over to my house. Either way, I’m going to make sure you eat. I couldn’t live with myself knowing you’re sitting over there starving.” I dipped my head and rested it against the top of hers. “This is why you weren’t running the last couple of days, isn’t it? You didn’t even have the energy to do the one thing that helps you escape.”

My skin heated at the thought of Harley’s only escape being taken away from her. The simmering blood in my body was now boiling and close to flowing over. It was next to impossible to keep myself from raging, but I knew nothing good would come of it, and Harley would likely never open up to me again. Plus, her mom wasn’t home. I’d seen the car leave. That’s why I thought Harley was gone as well.

“I don’t know why I told you all of that.” She moved to push herself off me, and I knew she was getting ready to shut down. I couldn’t let that happen. Not now.

“Stop trying to push me away. If you don’t want to talk anymore, fine, but I’m not going to let you run away from me.” Not when I knew I was the only person she had, even as unwilling as she was to admit that.

“You’re a stubborn jackass,” she huffed but stopped fighting me and settled back in my lap.

“Maybe, but so are you. You’ve got too much pride to ask for help when you’re absolutely miserable and need it.”

She knew I was right but didn’t admit it. Instead, she swiveled herself in my lap until she was facing the water. At least she had this place that gave her solace. I only hoped one day, I could be that for her as well.

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