Chapter 44
44
S itting in my car, I don’t want to leave.
Every part of me wants to turn around, knock on her door, and tell her she doesn’t have to deal with everything alone.
That she never has to be alone again.
I let out a long breath, pressing my forehead against the steering wheel.
My fingers drum against the leather as I replay everything.
I should have set an alarm.
I can’t believe I fell asleep too.
I should have been up, dressed, already out of the house long before three.
I should have been prepared.
But I wasn’t.
And now …
I wipe a tear from my eye.
This can’t be over.
It physically hurts thinking about never seeing her again.
Never touching her.
Never getting the chance to prove to her that I’m not like him.
Every instinct I have is telling me to fix this, to fight for her—but she’s not ready.
Pushing her right now would only drive her further away.
She’s too triggered from her ex.
And I fucking hate that he still has that power over her.
I hope there isn’t any merit to his words, and I really hope my being there doesn’t give him added ammunition to push for more time with Gabby.
“Fuck,” I breathe out, tapping my head on the steering wheel.
Sitting in silence, one thought is louder than the rest: I need to give her space.
Even if it kills me.
Even if it means stepping back when every part of me is screaming to step forward.
Because if I push her now, I might lose her forever.
And that’s a risk I can’t take.