Page 84 of Tough Love
“How could I forget?”
In my first year, the school decided to jump on the television trend of star-search shows and put on a district talent contest. Our whole school piled into the hall for our regular Wednesday assembly, only that particular week it was an hour of singing, comedy skits, and skill displays.
But only one of the slots stole my attention. I literally held my breath the entire time.
“You sang ‘Fake Plastic Trees,’playing the guitar yourself too.”
His smile grows, and he rolls his head away to hide it. “Yeah. Thought it might help me get over my fear of performing in front of people.”
“Did it?”
Evan’s eyes find mine. “Not really.” He chuckles. “Was a bit of a fail, really.”
“You did a great job. I loved it.”
“Truth?”
I nod. “So….”
He pats his chest, indicating I should climb on.
Right.
“Come on,” he murmurs. “Don’tyouget shy on me now.”
“I’m not. I just….”
He stretches out his arm, offering me his hand.
I take it, relishing the gentle way he coaxes me forward, and the slow climb his hand then makes up the back of my leg to urge me onto him.
One very awkward minute later, and two giggling fits, I manage to contort myself onto his tall frame, avoiding the possibility of falling off should I move.
“Comfy?” He smiles, one arm under his head so he can see me better.
“No.” I laugh, wriggling a little until I’m rolled against the back of the sofa, wedged into his side.
He leans forward, his abs tightening under my hand as he crunches to place a kiss on my temple. “Still, it’s nice, isn’t it?”
I nod. “I honestly thought you were done with me, that all that stuff disgusted you.”
His chest heaves with a sigh and he wraps his arm around my shoulders, resting his hand on my upper arm. “Not at all. I just…. Every time I looked at you I felt like I was that guilty fucking kid all over again.” He shrugs, making me shift in the process. “I needed some space to work that through in my head.”
“You could have told me that.”
“I know. I didn’t know what to say though, not until I’d untangled it all for myself.”
I tilt my head, looking up at his strong profile. “How do you feel now?”
I’m met with piercing baby blues. “Like I’m ready to do whatever it takes to keep you safe now, hoping that it’ll at least be enough to make up for the past.”
“I don’t want a pity party, Evan.”
“And I don’t want to give you one. I don’t pity you, babe. I just wanted to be sure that I wouldn’t falter again when it came to the crunch. If I’m going to have this special spot in your life, I want to be sure I’m worthy of it.”
“You are.”
He frowns. “Maybe.”