Page 44 of Only When We Fall
“Me too.”
She eyes the pillow I managed to grab in a bid to cover myself, and a small smile tugs at her lips. “Are you okay?” she asks.
“I can’t help it,” I say, defensively, adding an unsure laugh to try and make light of the awkwardness.
“I haven’t . . .” she pauses, clearing her throat. “Yah know, done it since – us.”
“Why?”
“I just haven’t met anyone. Actually, that’s not true. I haven’t met anyone I’ve wanted to do anything with.”
“I wish I could take back everything that happened,” I tell her sincerely. “I was an immature idiot.”
She arches a brow, smirking, “And you’ve grown up so much in the last few months?”
I nod. “I’m trying.” I sit up too, resting back against the headboard. “The thing is, Em, I haven’t met anyone either. I’m not saying I haven’t done stuff, I have,” I hate the hurt in her eyes even as the words leave my mouth. “But,” I rush to add, “I was trying so hard to move on and forget you. And then the second I laid eyes on you again, and realised you were here, I knew I’d only ever want you.” I groan, “Sorry, you’ve been through so much and I’m laying this shit on you.” I stand, running my hands through my hair. “I’m being selfish. Are you hungry?”
She smiles, biting her lower lip. “Sit back down Kai Banks and continue what you were saying.”
I lower back to my spot. “I like you, Emmie. I think I even might love you.” She inhales sharply. “I know it’s full on,” I say with a shrug, “I’m just being honest. And seeing you earlier, after what happened, well, I realised just how much I want to be there for you.”
When I finally meet her eye again, she’s still smiling. “That was the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
I grin. “Are we getting food or not?”
She slides closer. “Maybe I’d like to give us a chance,” she almost whispers. “Take things slow.”
“Emmie, please don’t say it if you don’t mean it.”
“I do,” she says, nodding. “You’re right, I can’t get you out of my head either. I’m willing to give you another chance, but you have to always be honest with me; even with the hard stuff.”
“Are you serious?” She nods, a smile tugging at her lips. “Oh my God, Em, I swear you won’t regret it.” I lean closer, running my fingers through her hair and tilting her head slightly before kissing her in a slow, gentle kiss.
Chapter Fifteen
Emmie
Hiding, that’s what it feels like. We’re hiding from the rest of the world and enjoying being in our own little bubble. And I’m not complaining, because the longer I stay here at Kai’s place, the less likely it is I’ll see Landon. Besides, we’re making up for lost time, and the last three days have passed in a blur of tangled limbs and eager kisses.
Kai backs into the room holding a tray of breakfast items. He places them on the bed, and I sit, staring at the different pastries whilst salivating. We’ve pretty much had the same routine since I got here. Breakfast in bed. Shower together. A film in bed, not that we actually watch it because we’re too busy with each other. And then we talk, often until the sun sets.
“I thought we could venture out today,” he says lightly, before biting into a pastry. I stare wide eyed, and he sighs, “Emmie, we can’t stay in here forever. We both have lectures tomorrow and it’s best we face the world before then.”
He’s right, I know that, but I don’t feel ready. “I was thinking of skipping the lecture tomorrow. It’s not a big one and I can read someone’s notes.”
“And what about the next one, and the one after that? Landon will still be there.” He takes my chin and forces me to look him in the eye. “It’s going to be hard, I get that, but he won’t speak to you, Em. He won’t even look in your direction, I promise. And I’ll walk you to and from class every time.”
I narrow my eyes, “What do you mean he won’t talk to me, how do you know?”
“Just trust me.” He places a kiss on the tip of my nose. “Now eat something so we can shower, and then we’re going for a walk.”
The fresh air is nice; I’ve missed my runs these last few days. And as we walk hand in hand, I feel different. Happier, maybe?
It’s not until we turn the corner and walk right into Landon, that I freeze. My breath catches and as our eyes connect. I realise his are bruised and swollen. I frown, but before I can speak, he’s passed us, and Kai is practically marching me forward. “Wait, what was –”
“He deserved it,” Kai snaps, continuing to speed walk.
I pull my hand free and stop. “What have you done?”
