19. Zack
CHAPTER NINETEEN
zack
Evvy and I were up and out of the house by four in the morning. I thought my mom would sleep in, but she couldn’t miss saying goodbye to Evvy. She was whispering in her ear and giving her hugs like they were old friends, which they kind of are.
Evvy’s been quiet. She keeps taking a breath like she’s preparing to say something but then stops herself. Last night was incredible, and I know she felt it too. I just wish she’d give us a chance. I don’t want to spook her like a scared cat with a heavy conversation right before I leave.
I drop my hand to the seat beside me while the other remains on the wheel.
The seat shifts slightly, and Evvy’s hand slides into mine.
I blow out a heavy breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
My hand instinctively squeezes hers, and she squeezes back, giving me the surge of hope I need before stepping onto the plane.
We ride in silence until I arrive at the special team parking area at the airport. I give Evvy directions for navigating out of the restricted area before we both exit the truck. She meets me in the back, watching me gather my luggage.
“I hate leaving you. Especially after…” Words escape me as I watch Evvy stare at her feet.
“I know.” She looks up, blinking slowly. “Just have a great trip and we’ll talk when you get back.”
“I’ll be home in a week. You’ll be there?” I can’t lose her again. This feels like I’m choosing hockey over her, and it’s leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. It’s wrecking me.
“I’ll be there.”
She takes a step toward me, and I drop my bags back down into the truck bed.
Evvy buries her face in my chest as I wrap her in my arms. I place a kiss to the top of her head.
When she eventually pulls back, I don’t miss the single tear rolling down her cheek.
I wipe it away with my thumb before lightly brushing my lips over hers, testing the waters.
Evvy opens, tracing the seam of my lips with her tongue.
The kiss deepens, and I only pull back when I hear a car door slam close by.
“Mmm, a little salty this morning.” I kiss her cheek. She laughs, which was my goal.
“Way to make it weird again, Shayle,” she whispers in my ear as footsteps approach.
“Just how you like it, sweetheart.” I brush back her hair, gliding my fingers down her cheek as I admire her smile.
“Evvy!” Bax yells as he comes barreling toward us. He pulls Evvy into a giant bear hug, and she laughs at me from over his shoulder.
“West! I’m so glad to see you in one piece.” Evvy steps back, leaving her hands on his shoulders as she pretends to examine him for injuries.
“Oh, Marsh? He’ll be happy to find out I’m sitting next to him on the plane. I promised to buy the entire team drinks at the bar if they make sure it’s the only seat left open.” He flashes Evvy a proud grin before walking away. “See you on the plane, Zack!”
“I have to go too.” Evvy nods toward my truck.
I pull her in for one last hug and she melts into me. “Bye, sweetheart.”
Losing Evvy the first time was unbearable. Leaving her again before knowing what this is—before giving it a chance—feels just as terrible. I walk toward the plane and look back over my shoulder one last time. She gives me a small wave before climbing into the truck and driving away.