Stephany Lauer

“You don’t have to do that,” I said, staring down at my hands.

He turned his head to me. “Do what?”

I rubbed the sweat from my palms off on my jeans. “Stick around. You can leave if you want. I’m not expecting you to stay and babysit me.”

“Hey,” he nudged me with his shoulder, drawing my gaze to his. “I’m staying. You won’t get rid of me that easily.”

Despite the tremors of relief coursing through me, I didn’t relax. “The offer stands. Any time you want to go just… go.”

“Well, I don’t want the offer, because I’m not going anywhere, not unless you’re coming with me.”

“Why?” It took a second to realize that the barely whispered word had come from me.

He reached for my hand. His long, warm fingers laced through mine, and that was all the answer I needed.”
― Airicka Phoenix